There is a simple truth about Formula One, and that truth is that there would be no racing if there were no mechanics to operate the vehicles. This is a fact that cannot be avoided. There would be no racing if there were no mechanics to fix the vehicles.
With the assistance of Marc Priestley, a former technician for McLaren who has since transitioned into a broadcasting role, this week’s episode of The Race F1 Tech Show delves into the more technical aspects of the work performed by a mechanic.
Priestley recounts the chain of command among technicians, the complicated process of designing an F1 vehicle from start to finish with no manual to work from, how you go about repairing a car that has been wrecked at 150 mph, the fear of handling a pitstop, and many other aspects of the sport. In addition, Priestley discusses many other aspects of the sport, such as the anxiety associated with managing a pitstop.
Before that, Gary Anderson, a former Formula One technical director, will explain to Edd Straw, the host, why he is concerned about the recent proposal to introduce wheel arches into Formula One in order to reduce spray in wet weather, as well as his suggestion for an alternative approach to solving the problem. Wheel arches would reduce spray in wet weather by redirecting water away from the driver’s face.
And finally, to bring everything to a close, Gary will address one final question that was posed by a member of the audience. This time, the question that was asked was about whether or not competitors are permitted to make use of a textured conveyor belt in the wind tunnel to replicate rough circuits.