P1racenews AI automatic summary:
In the early 1990s, Williams was building dominant Formula 1 cars, and if it had been up to the Dutch company DAF, they would have been even faster and more dominant, only for the FIA to intervene.
DAF, a well-known truck building company, surprised many by delving into the world of Formula 1 innovation in the early 1990s. One of their revolutionary creations, the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), caught the attention of the Williams team, who were reigning champions at the time. The CVT system, which eliminated the need for traditional gears, promised faster lap times and smoother driving experiences. Unfortunately, the FIA deemed the CVT illegal due to regulations specifying the number of gears allowed in an F1 car. Despite its ban, the legacy of DAF’s CVT technology remains a fascinating chapter in the history of Formula 1. The evolution of gearbox technology in F1 since then has been remarkable, showcasing the constant pursuit of innovation in the sport.