Ricciardo: Introducing wider cars in 2017 'not the best thing'

40

Daniel Ricciardo believes that in hindsight, F1 was perhaps wrong to introduce wider, faster cars in 2017 as it only compounded the issues linked with overtaking.

Formula 1 underwent a regulation shake-up at the start of the 2017 season, with both bodywork and tyres getting wider in a bid to boost downforce and grip.

While the effect of the changes led to faster cars, the ability for drivers to follow each other closely and to overtake was made more difficult.

"The cars look big, sexy and wide, they look awesome and better than they did in 2016. But my concern was the width itself, the tracks weren't made wider," says Ricciardo.

"There was less room to overtake. In F1, you look for the tiniest bit of clear air if you're following another car.

Renault performance in Austin 'really encouraging' - Ricciardo

"If he's on the apex kerb, you're trying to take a bit more apex kerb to get some clear air on your front wing. But having wider cars, it's harder to find that clearer air.

"That alone for me, taking the downforce out of it, them taking [up] more track makes it harder to follow.

"So that was maybe not the best thing to do. I don't want to say we'll learn from our mistakes, but we'll learn and move forward."

F1's next move forward will occur in 2021 when the sport introduces a broad new set of regulations destined to transform Grand Prix racing and improve the spectacle on the track.

Wheel-to-wheel battles should become the norm from 2021, but Ricciardo reckons that such a change will imply some fierce defending from drivers.

"When others are passing one car, I'll be passing two at once!" joked the master of the overtake. "That's the way you got to look at it.

"It puts more on us to defend better as well. I don't think it's going to be easy to overtake, it's not going to be like everyone can do it. Everyone will be trying to defend harder.

"Having more opportunities available will mean better excitement for everyone."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.