Every Formula 1 race weekend, there are constant complaints about drivers being blocked when on a fast lap. Expect more when United States Grand Prix qualifying happens later today.
๐ The Core Development
Yet there is a simple solution that could be implemented immediately to prevent these near-misses.
The extent of the problem is obvious. There have been stewardsโ investigations into impeding on 12 out of 17 race weekends already this year, with a total of 14 punishments issued, some of those grid penalties. And even when it doesnโt go this far, the airwaves are filled with drivers complaining about being held up over the radio.
๐ Background & Sector Context
This doesnโt need a complicated fix that requires you to reinvent the wheel or spend huge amounts of money. It doesnโt even need something new to be added.
Simply change the regulations to double the size of the rear-view mirrors and more closely define the ideal position for those.
๐ Industry & Real-World Impact
By 'ideal' I donโt mean aerodynamically ideal - I mean for the driverโs line of sight.
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๐ฎ Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
To give an idea of the size, Iโve highlighted what I would do in white on the Mercedes in the image on the right. You can see the comparison to the current standard size mirrors on the Red Bull on the left.
Yes, it will create a little more drag and make the aero design more difficult, but itโs more important to reduce the number of times qualifying is changed by impeding.
