A controversial part of the 2017 Formula One field, the “shark fins” on many team cars will be gone in 2018 after teams could not agree on regulating it.
Every year, there is at least one revolutionary part that makes an appearance on a Formula One machine that changes the game for all the teams.
In 2017, that big change was the “shark fin” on the back of the engine compartment on the F1 machines. Paired with the T-bar, these two pieces became an eyesore for many fans. Thankfully for them, these pieces will be gone for the 2018 season.
As first reported by Motorsport.com, many teams had already begun planning their 2018 vehicles with these pieces as an integral part of the aerodynamics package. However, dissent from McLaren prevented the regulation from being adopted.
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The orange-clad squad had wanted to reduce the size of the “shark fin” for next year. Because the teams were unable to resolve the differences between the 2017 version and McLaren’s proposed smaller fin, the entire idea was scrapped.
The move is not insignificant for the year ahead for many of these teams. Those who have already gone through planning their cars with the “shark fin” in place will have to redesign their vehicles and accommodate for the loss of the aerodynamic piece somehow. No word yet on how the teams will adjust their cars for the new year.
McLaren racing director Eric Boullier had this to say about his team’s position on the “shark fin” ban for 2018:
"“I don’t understand why everyone went to do something else other than the regulations. It has been voted months ago to go with no shark fin – a sort of mini shark fin.”“This is in the regulations for next year. Some teams believed it will change again, and wanted to keep the big fin.”“Then it was discussed to have a Mercedes style fin and in the end we just remind everybody what was voted six months ago. People have said: ‘We have to change it, we’ve worked in the wind tunnel.'”“No problem, but you know regulations. There is no debate. So that is it.”"
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Are you happy to see Formula One cars dropping the “shark fins” in 2018? Was it an eyesore or no big deal to you?