It was 1997. McLaren were fast.
After the first Grand Prix in Melbourne, where both pilots of McLaren climbed to the podium, famous photographer Darren Heath, who was working at the time in F1 Racing magazine, looked through the footage.
Hit first suggested that, most likely, “maki” create another brake for braking in corners. It was necessary to do photo of inside the cockpit.
After the first Grand Prix in Melbourne, where both pilots of McLaren climbed to the podium, famous photographer Darren Heath, who was working at the time in F1 Racing magazine, looked through the footage.
"Stop, what the hell ?!" - he thought, noticing one strange detail.
Darren thought this is very strange that Coulthard and Hakkinen brake discs burn in the middle of the turn, as if the pilot did not release the brake. And only the rear!
With these photos, he came to the chief editor Matt Bishop, and they began think about anomaly..
Hit first suggested that, most likely, “maki” create another brake for braking in corners. It was necessary to do photo of inside the cockpit.
The next stage took place at the Nurburgring (Grand Prix of Luxembourg). He was incredibly lucky that day - both McLaren did not reach the finish line.
the photographer found both cars before. If he couldn’t get into the car at number 10 due to the fact that Coulthard hadn’t removed the steering wheel, Hakkinen dragged his steering wheel with him and it was possible to take a picture of what was going on inside. Heath took several pictures at random with different exposures, and after developing he saw the following picture:
Three pedals !!! Hakkinen was known for his love of technical innovations, and he should not have a third pedal.
Very soon, journalists spread this information. Ron Dennis was in a rage, his rivals puzzled how this crap was arranged and how many years and millions of pounds it would take to copy it.
And now let's listen to the story of McLaren chief engineer Steve Nichols about how he invented this system and how it works.
“It was Christmas Eve, and I was on vacation with my parents, and the idea came to me when I was in the bathroom. Traditionally, we tuned the cars to decent understeer. In addition, in those years, the rear wheels of the cars were not so wide, while the front ones were rather massive, and my idea was mainly to ensure that in the corners somehow add brake force to the rear, which would compensate for the lack of steering. .
The head of the development and research department at McLaren was Paddy Lowe. I explained my idea to him and suggested adding a pedal to the cockpit to provide additional braking effort to the right or left to improve the balance of the chassis.
Ultimately, Paddy gave the go-ahead to my endeavor. After a few months, parts for testing arrived at the Silverstone circuit.
Technically, the solution was extremely simple. All we did was add another brake master cylinder and stretch the brake hose to the rear right wheel caliper. Thus, when you press a conventional brake pedal, both brake pads entered into force, and the auxiliary pedal only activated the right brake. ”
Moreover, this pedal was set up rather tightly so that the brake would not work smoothly, otherwise the McLaren would not have broken in every third race, but in everyone. By the way, at the end of the season, even with such a percentage of reaching the finish line, they were able to take fourth place in the Constructors' Championship.
It also allowed to reduce the angle of the wing, reduce the downforce on the straight and not suffer from its lack of cornering.
For the 1998 season, this system was further developed - on the steering wheel, a left and right brake switch was added. Now the pilot himself could choose which rear wheel to slow down in a particular turn. They would have bungled the automatic switching, but the regulations did not allow.
When the secret became clear, rivals immediately rushed to scribble slanders in the FIA. And, of course, without understanding what it is and how it works.
Hilarious theories began to be advanced. Williams suggested that a team from Woking uses some kind of unbrokenly complex electronics. Ferrari blurted out that the raceways turn all four wheels (oh my God!).
In the end, someone once again poked his finger into the sky and got. After that, Charlie Whiting allowed to ban the steering wheel-brake. It was in the 1998 season.
And this quote from Steve Nikolza will give you an idea of the reason why the teams really wanted to strangle this novelty.
“I remember how Alain Prost, who then had his own team, said that this system should be banned, because for its development teams will need millions of dollars. In fact, this decision cost us no more than 50 pounds, and all the spare parts were removed from the trailer. ”
1. What do you think about formula1?
2.If this is called the competition of pilots, then why they do not go on serial cars, without pit stops?
3.Do you like fast cars?
4.If this is a team competition, then engineers are not part of the team?
5.Why there are no races where of all the restrictions would be the size and weight of the cars?
Sources:
https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Prix_Australii_1997
https://f1.fandom.com/wiki/1997_Australian_Grand_Prix
https://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr598.html
https://www.autosport.com/f1/feature/8572/the-trick-car-that-ended-mclaren-90s-win-drought
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darren_Heath
https://www.racefans.net/2007/05/24/banned-mclarens-rear-brake-pedal/
Sources:
https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Prix_Australii_1997
https://f1.fandom.com/wiki/1997_Australian_Grand_Prix
https://www.grandprix.com/gpe/rr598.html
https://www.autosport.com/f1/feature/8572/the-trick-car-that-ended-mclaren-90s-win-drought
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darren_Heath
https://www.racefans.net/2007/05/24/banned-mclarens-rear-brake-pedal/
Comments
It brings several difficulties as well. One of them -- there is no straight line drawn on what is allowed, and what modifications are not to be implemented. You cannot force teams to share their plans for the car - it would allow rivals to easily capitalize on that knowledge. Still, I think, it is way more interesting sport than other race championships.
In my opinion, Formula 1 cars are designed to achieve the best results and make any accident easy to repair. Pit stops are needed to be able to change tactics and adapt to weather conditions.
I really like fast cars and I like driving fast.
I believe that engineers are part of the team, but in a different way. Computer developers are also not part of the IT team, but they also contribute to the team's success because they provide devices.
I'm not sure if there are such races. There must be a reason why nobody did them.
Thx for the comment, agree with you :)
Everyone has heard about formula 1, but I'm not a fan of such cars on circuit racing.
2.If this is called the competition of pilots, then why they do not go on serial cars, without pit stops?
I don't know why they came up with this pit stop. Who wrote it in the rules. This is probably a necessity, in other words, they do maintenance on the car.
3.Do you like fast cars?
I really like sports cars, only those on which you can ride in everyday life, and not open and not safe as on formula 1.
4.If this is a team competition, then engineers are not part of the team?
Engineers are also a team, they even seem to have their own awards of the formula 1 World Constructors Championship (WCC)
5.Why there are no races where of all the restrictions would be the size and weight of the cars?
n very many cases, race cars for Formula 1 are built for each team separately, they come up with new solutions and improvements, so there is a whole list to which the car should match otherwise they would have built suicide missiles that would fly :D
I have never watched formula1. What i know about formula1? I know that there are super fast cars and super long races.
2.If this is called the competition of pilots, then why they do not go on serial cars, without pit stops?
Don't know, maybe it is because of rules or any kind of traditions that came from the old times.
3.Do you like fast cars?
Yes, show me the guy who is not a fan of fast cars? I'm not a master in cars sphere, but if i had a chance to have ferrari, i would not be against it.
4.If this is a team competition, then engineers are not part of the team?
Why? The engineers are the part of the team for sure. Every person who help me win the race is in my team. So why engineers are nto a part of the team, it's not a true statement.
5. Why there are no races where of all the restrictions would be the size and weight of the cars?
I don't even know what to answer. I'm not an expert in races.
1. I watched some of the races Robert Kubica took part in, because it became popular these days in Poland, but in overall, I found it quite boring. It doesn’t change the fact that those men are impressive, both drivers and engineers who combine science and physics with sport.
2. I think that without pit stops the competition would become too ordinary. Those stops add something interesting, and mechanics can show off their skills.
3. Yeah, sure, they are nice, but I prefer more classic style, such as old American muscle cars, or vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles. I’d really love to own one someday.
4. I’d say they are, why not? The driver can’t do a thing if his car doesn’t work properly.
5. Well, I not an expert, but what about record-breaking runs such as those on the dried lake?
I never was interested in F1, but believe that many achievements in cars came from racing.
2.If this is called the competition of pilots, then why they do not go on serial cars, without pit stops?
I don't know. Posts doesn't cover this question.
3.Do you like fast cars?
I'm indifferent for cars, except electric.
4.If this is a team competition, then engineers are not part of the team?
Why have you finished with this conclusion after your post. It's just makes no sense. You've described brilliant engineering work and then ask, if engineers is a part of team? Seriously?
5.Why there are no races where of all the restrictions would be the size and weight of the cars?
I don't know, the post doesn't cover this topic either. And I'm not so enthusiastic about researching by myself.
I like Formula1 and cars generally. I watch every race during the season and I must admit that even to me, a Formula1 fan, this particular season is really boring.
2.If this is called the competition of pilots, then why they do not go on serial cars, without pit stops?
Formula1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. Open-wheel cars are very different to serial cars, technology-wise, handling-wise and power-wise. These cars are highly developed with a ton of power. Besides, apart from parts that wear out very quickly, tyres are the main factor right now that forces drivers to pit and change for a new set.
3.Do you like fast cars?
Yes, I do.
4.If this is a team competition, then engineers are not part of the team?
Engineers are definitely part of the team. Drivers’ job is to go fast and score points for the team. Because points give you championship and championships give you money from sponsors. Without engineers and other members of staff, drivers would not be able to achieve anything.
5.Why there are no races where of all the restrictions would be the size and weight of the cars?
There was something called Group B in rallying during 1980s’. The only restrictions were size, weight and the power output from the engine. The cars were one of the most dangerous and fast in the history of rallying. Unfortunately there were numerous accidents involving spectators as well and FIA banned Group B. I think this is why there are no races or car classes where restrictions come down to size and weight only.
Well it is not my type of sport to be honest. I highly prefer motorcycles than formula1.
2.If this is called the competition of pilots, then why they do not go on serial cars, without pit stops?
I think it is because this is a different type of sport. It was meant to be that way and it is still a pilots competition but your crew need to have your back the whole time. I think it's more interesting than serial cars.
3.Do you like fast cars?
I like fast cars but as I said earlier I prefer motorcycles.
4.If this is a team competition, then engineers are not part of the team?
In my opinion everyone who does something that will help to win is part of a team.
5.Why there are no races where of all the restrictions would be the size and weight of the cars?
Because then many cars would be not able to race. There are so many different types of cars right now and every company has something else that is unusual so they shouldn't change that just because of some restrictions.
The pit stop is very important thing to adapt weather conditions for driving. We must remember that pilots are tools to driving. But If you want to win , you must cooperate with team to adjust to changing conditions on the track.
Yes, I’m big fan of Italian car brands like: Alfa Romeo, Maserati. It is possible that in the near future I will be heading towards the purchase of Alfa with engine R5 having 200 horsepower.
Yes. Definitely the engineers are part of team in race of formula 1. It is they who adjust the engine's work so that the driver achieves the best parameters of the car during the race. Of course they aren’t on on the pit stop and don’t take part directly. But they analyze all parameters of the car to keep the best quality
It is important that cars meet a wide range of technical requirements. There are those who care about security, fair competition and even those who care about ecological requirements. Thanks to this, we can use all of the exceptional races that care for our direct and indirect safety.
1. I know what Formula 1 is, but I think I do not like it so much. I'm not enjoying about car races and others, similar, races. This is not my category of sport.
2. Honestly I don't know about that, because I am not interested in in F1, so unfortunately I can't answer that question.
3. To be honest, not really much. I think fast cars are more dangerous for people than normal cars. I know, adrenaline and these matters, but honestly I prefer safety.
4. I can not answer this question entirely, but If these engineers repairs team's cars, they should be part of this team. Simple.
5. In my point of view - this is about safety. Safety for audience and for pilots and drivers are really important, so that's why there are a lot of restrictions.
2. This is a difficult issue, let's compare it to cooking. A good cook will do something tasty in the microwave while having products from "żabka" but what he can do is show him good equipment adapted to his habits.
3. Yes, I build such, but for drifting.
4. Of course they are as important as drivers.
5. Racing tourist cars and the legendary group B think that they were the closest to this one. There are security issues here and that somebody would cheat for sure.
Of course, it would be nice if the rules of vehicle construction would be comparable for all teams, but it would be difficult to achieve, due to the construction of machines by all teams from scratch.
1.
I love F1. I've been following the scene for as long as I remember. Mercedes-Benz team is my favourite. Motorsports are great for me. Especially GT convention.
2.
It never really is competition of pilots only. The skill of a driver counts but the car is just as important.
3.
I love them. One of my goals is to get one.
4.
You cannot say that. Engineers are as important as the rest of the team.
5.
Because this won't be interesting at all. Just as in UFC for example are weight restrictions
In pit stops divers can change wheels when they are worn out or when they want to adapt to weather changes.
Of course I do, I don’t think there are many people that don’t. Since I was a kid I really liked sports cars.
The engineers are part of the team, without them the pilot would fail with the first malfunction.
Every race has its own regulations, formula1 wouldn’t be the formula 1 without the restriction, but when It comes to other competitions. I think there should be some races without restrictions about size and weight of cars.
I think that it is a very interesting competitions, and pilots are very brave men. But I'm not a fan of "Formula 1".
2.If this is called the competition of pilots, then why they do not go on serial cars, without pit stops?
This is a very strange question. On serial cars it is impossible to reach such a high speed without the risk of being detached from the ground. Pit stops are needed as tires can not withstand such a heavy load during the entire race.
3.Do you like fast cars?
I like beautiful cars and most of them are fast :)
4.If this is a team competition, then engineers are not part of the team?
Engineers are part of a team. Without them pilot couldn't withstand the whole race.
5.Why there are no races where of all the restrictions would be the size and weight of the cars?
I think, there are some races with only restrictions by size and weight of the cars, but "Formula 1" has its own restrictions.
This is a very popular thing all over the world, of course, but I'm not a fan of formula 1. I have never understood what is happening there and according to what principles the competitions are lined up, but the general points are known to me, since they have very good promotion.
2.If this is called the competition of pilots, then why they do not go on serial cars, without pit stops?
It seems to me that this is not only a competition of pilots, but also various car concerns. Since during the competition the advantages and disadvantages of various engineering solutions of manufacturers are revealed.
3.Do you like fast cars?
I am neutral towards them. I can not identify myself as a fan of this topic. But I would not refuse to participate in such events.
4.If this is a team competition, then engineers are not part of the team?
As I described above, this is also an engineering competition. Therefore, engineers and technicians are an integral part of a team without which success is very difficult to achieve.
5.Why there are no races where of all the restrictions would be the size and weight of the cars?
Because such competitions should reveal other qualities of cars and pilots. And to put such restrictions is not enough. Moreover, this weight and size is not the main indicators as I know.
(Due to technical difficulties with PJATK mail, i am forced to post comment using diffrent account)
Mateusz Burzyński
s12800
what sports car are u prefer ?
"I prefer more classic style, such as old American muscle cars, or vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles"
check some cafe race motorcycles project, u will like it
only one man have a cup only one man step on a base(pedestal)
not a serious comment, no thx
I don’t care about them. They are very fast and have expensive cars
2.If this is called the competition of pilots, then why they do not go on serial cars, without pit stops?
Because it would be more boring? And if you do 50-70 laps any car will need a pit stop
3.Do you like fast cars?
I like them but they need very good road to truly enjoy them and they are useless in day to day life.
4.If this is a team competition, then engineers are not part of the team?
Of course, they are part of the team without them 90% of these cars wouldn’t be able to finish their race.
5.Why there are no races where of all the restrictions would be the size and weight of the cars?
I don’t know what to say I simply don’t know any rules or restriction in races, maybe they would be too bloody…
what type of motorcycles do u like ?
naked, choper, tourist, etc ?:)
i like new one giulia quadrifogilo, and it's nice that alfa is back with nice car :)
nice that u write something with mind not being fan of f1 thx again :)
They do not drive without pitstop because they are specially prepared cars with a small resource of wear and tear that are specially designed for this race format. And why are they not on production cars as each brand represents its own car and therefore this race is not only the racers but also all the teams (car brand)
Yes, of course, I like fast cars, but not in the city, because they can use the machine and its power not with the mind.
I think that there are no such types of races where only weight and size restrictions are for security reasons, as it is true, they could create some kind of mounts that were more death machines than anything that races.
2. This is how that sport looks like and this is how somebody created the rules so it is how it is.. Pitstops are for sure to keep cars going, to maintain them during the race, change tires, fill the fuel and so on. It’s interesting to watch the whole cooperation – it’s not only the driver who wins the race.
3. I generally like cars, not only fast. But I’m more interested in street cars rather than race cars.
4. Engineers are also legitimate, normal part of every team. Without them even the best driver wouldn’t have a appropriate car to drive.
5. If the weight and size were the only restrictions than engineers could put literally any magic technology and any size of an engine so it could be an unfair competition.
Nothing special for me, I prefer to do sport instead of watching it.
2.If this is called the competition of pilots, then why they do not go on serial cars, without pit stops?
Mayby just like during olympic games, its competition of whole team? or coaches?
3.Do you like fast cars?
i wouldn't regret getting one for free
4.If this is a team competition, then engineers are not part of the team?
Bike manufacturer should also be a part of a cyclicst team?
5.Why there are no races where of all the restrictions would be the size and weight of the cars?
I dont know, we would have a jet cars then?