Teams plan more space for sponsors on 2019 bodywork

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Formula 1 teams have agreed to consider changes to regulations governing bodywork design in time for the 2019 season, according to reports.

The teams want more space on next year's cars to carry sponsorship.

Five teams made proposals at last week's Formula 1 Strategy Group. It's understood that two have been agreed by the group, meaning it's likely we'll see them on next year's chassis designs.

A proposal from McLaren to change the regulations on bargeboards is one of the two being taken forward. They will be lower, improving visibility on the side of the car around the driver's legs. As well as making more prominent display space available for sponsors, it's also considered more aesthetically pleasing.

A second proposal from Ferrari for simpler and less expensive rear wing end-plates will also go ahead. This will introduce a flat space at the top. It will also remove louvres that have got in the way of logo placement.

Both changes have already been analysed and discussed by the Technical Working Group.

Teams pushed 'shark fins' for sponsors - Lauda

However another proposal from Formula 1's director of motorsport Ross Brawn was strongly opposed by teams. Brawn wanted a simpler front wing design, but the suggestion didn't go down at all well.

Teams were unhappy with the aerodynamic impact of the proposed change. Ferrari reportedly even threatened to exercise its veto over new technical regulations to stop Brawn's plans.

A proposal to revive the controversial 'shark fins' was also considered. Originally derided by teams and fans alike at the start of 2017, the additional bodywork space has proved useful in accommodating mandatory driver name and number displays, as well as sponsor messages.

Other teams complained that the shark fins had adversely affected sponsorship on the rear wing.

Shark fins were quickly banned for 2018. However, teams came close to reversing their decision at the end of last season - only an objection from McLaren vetoed the U-turn.

This year's regulations will also put a stop to the 'extra wings' that have spouted on some cars as a result of a loophole in the original revised specification.

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.