In 2022, F1 is turning to car concepts based on the use of floor-to-ground effects, with the aim of making it easier for drivers to race each other by reducing turbulent wakes.

Regulations have also been tightened to make it less likely that one team will get a head start. Aside from the impact of the budget cap, there are hopes that a new era in F1 will result in a closer grid.

While the rules appear to have hit the mark with midfield closer than ever, early suggestions that F1 would become more of a spec series proved unfounded.

According to McLaren F1 boss Stella, the team was wary of the lack of room for innovation the new rules would offer, but after developing the car, they saw a lot of potential to change thanks to the various new floor development avenues. status quo.

Red Bull and Ferrari have come up with two competing floor and sidepod concepts, each proving competitive in 2022, while Mercedes has adopted a radical design but is now ready to ditch it.

Plus: How Red Bull built the most complete F1 car yet

“I have to admit, and I think most teams should admit, that until the next generation of cars lands, we think the regulations are very strict,” Stella said.

“But what’s interesting is that once you start the journey, you realize there’s a lot of performance, especially on the floor. There’s a way to take advantage of this ground effect from a technical standpoint, which is beyond what I think anyone in Formula 1 will be able to do. expected.

Andrea Stella, Team Principal, McLaren

Photograph: Sam Bloxham / motorsport pictures

“If you look at the complexity of the geometry, you might see that on some cars, especially maybe on the part that faces the ground, so it’s not necessarily obvious, the complexity of the flow field, and the vertical structure that you want in the Cars are generated below, and then these exceed the expectations of the regulations.

“From a technical standpoint, it’s been a fascinating journey.”

Stella believes that this unexpected potential to develop complex floors has rewarded the right teams, as evidenced by Red Bull’s huge advantage in other areas in 2023.

“From a landscape perspective, it means whoever does it better, as Red Bull is currently doing, can gain a sustained competitive advantage beyond expectations,” he added.

“So there’s a technical reason for that, and ultimately it means there’s a premium for those who do better than everyone else.”