P1racenews AI automatic summary:
If Formula 1’s 2024 launch season has a theme so far, it’s not so much some new technical innovations but the lack of something: colour. Mark Hughes explains why and ponders how F1 could fix it
The theme of Formula 1’s 2024 launch season seems to be the lack of color, as exposed carbon fiber has been a prominent feature in all the launches. Due to the need for weight optimization and meeting the hybrid cars’ weight limit, teams are being frugal with paint or vinyl wraps. A full-color scheme can add around 1kg of weight, resulting in a 0.03s increase in laptime or 1.8s over a 60-lap race. Teams want every spare weight to contribute to performance, such as optimizing exhaust outlets for better power unit performance. However, the absence of colors diminishes the visual excitement and drama of racing. Although regulating color may be challenging, there could be alternative solutions like colorized carbon fiber. F1 teams should consider adding more color and avoiding excessive use of carbon black.
