F1's 2017 plan is 'wrong,' says Mercedes' Costa

Formula 1's major rules shake-up for 2017 is "wrong for the show" and will only make overtaking more difficult, according to Mercedes engineering director Aldo Costa.

F1 is looking to make cars five to six seconds quicker for '17 via the introduction of wider front and rear tires and a new aerodynamic shape. To date, no specific regulations have been announced as the engineers are still mulling over the specifics of what is required. With the clock ticking, the teams are not only working toward developing the 2016 car, but also devoting time and resources to an as-yet-unspecified '17 model.

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"Combining the 2016 and 2017 programs is going to be very difficult, and difficult for Formula 1 in general," said Costa. "We have these new rules, but there are a lot of things in them that are wrong for the show in our opinion, and we need to say that.

"As engineers we feel we have done quite a lot for the car being able to overtake, with the previous rules and the current rules. By going to a car that has an enormous amount of downforce and a very complex aerodynamic shape, in our opinion it will make overtaking more difficult.

"That's our fear at this moment. We cannot demonstrate it, but are expressing that in the technical meetings with the FIA and the engineers in the other teams.

"So that's the discussion: What's the best rule change for improving the overtaking, but meeting the target of having these faster cars?"

In terms of a way forward, Costa added: "We believe we should go towards improving mechanical grip, more than a pure aerodynamic exercise.

"The discussion is still open with the FIA, still ongoing. There are possibilities to express opinions and discuss them."

Despite the difficulties being posed with the tandem programs, Costa feels it affords Mercedes an opportunity to flex its technical muscle again.

"Aside from 2017 we've next year's car as well, so again another big effort is required from an organizational point of view," said Costa. "We want to win next year, but we also dream of winning through a big rule change. That would be fantastic for us as an organization. It would be a demonstration of really strong engineering.

"So, we are managing this complex phase with dedicated people, with a dedicated program, and managing it very carefully with the resources."

Originally on Autosport.com