Antonelli says 2027 rule changes will bring a reset: A bit like starting from scratch
Guido De Bortoli/Mercedes
With both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles decided, teams and drivers are turning their full attention to 2027. The closely fought end to this season promises more tight battles, with minor changes to the technical regulations adding further spice. Although the rule changes appear small, Kimi Antonelli believes they represent a reset.
Following fierce criticism of the new power units, the FIA and Formula 1 moved to amend the regulations. Reaching an agreement was not easy, but those responsible eventually approved a slight increase in power from the internal combustion engine.
The changes will affect not only the engine but also the aerodynamics. The FIA has, for example, banned the exhaust deflector pioneered by Ferrari this season. The rear wings will undergo minor revisions, the floor inlets will also change and the plank beneath the floor will be made smaller. New Pirelli tyres will be another significant change.
These may not look like major changes, and they are certainly not attracting as much publicity as the power unit revisions, but Antonelli believes they will be significant. “The impact will be quite noticeable,” the newly crowned champion told AutoRacer. “The changes will reduce downforce, although the teams are obviously already working to recover what they’ll lose.”
“It might not look like much, but it makes a huge difference. It generates an enormous amount of downforce,” the newly crowned world champion said of Ferrari’s deflector.
The FIA is looking for ways to continue reducing downforce. That will help on-track battles, but above all the power units. More downforce means more drag, and more drag in turn means greater energy consumption. “It will be a bit like starting from scratch,” Antonelli boldly declared.
Taken together, the aerodynamic and engine changes certainly amount to significant revisions. We would not, however, go so far as to call it a fresh start. In any case, every new challenge for teams and drivers is, in its own way, good for the fans too.
“In terms of vehicle dynamics, the car will be different, and we don’t yet know how it will behave on track. In a way, that’s exciting because, even though the regulations are essentially the same, we’ll be starting again from scratch. It will be interesting to see who manages to recover the most downforce and who has done the best job,” Antonelli said.
