OPINION
“Bringing back ground-effect aerodynamics has been brewing for a long time”
JOHNNY HERBERT
GETTY IMAGES
Formula 1 regulation resets don’t often work out as intended, but this time bringing back ground-effect aerodynamics has been brewing for a long time. I remember saying it’s the answer years ago with Damon Hill and Martin Brundle. We all agreed. My only concern is we’ve still got a front wing; it’s smaller and more controlled, but it will always make a difference. Still, now the floor will be fundamental in unlocking grip. From what I understand, teams are already ahead of where they were last season, creating a massive amount of downforce.
What effect will it have on the racing? From a driving point of view, give me all the grip and power I want, because that is always what F1 should be about. It should be the hardest, most difficult, smash-you-in-the-face type of car on the planet. When I started in F1 you got out after a race feeling like you’d ran a marathon and done 14 rounds with Mike Tyson. It used to really beat you up. It was tough, and I think it still is – but it’s a different physical challenge today.