Formula One has put aerodynamics prior to aesthetic appeals, with the new-look 2017 vehicles let down by “shark fins” arising from a change in the rules, as per Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
Apart from being broader, lower and on fatter front and rear tires, the brand-new generation of cars sticks out for having popular fins originating from the airbox behind the motorist’s head.
Some are more harsh than others, with the Toro Rosso and Mercedes attracting rave reviews for their flowing lines while the others like Williams and Force India have brought in less favorable comments.
“I believe the cars look great, the only thing that lets them down is the shark fins,” Horner informed press reporters on the first day of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya.
“It’s something that we raised at the Formula One strategy meeting in 2016 to ask that all teams eliminate them, due to the fact that it is quite marginal the performance gain that they provide,” he added.
“In the interests of visual looks, it was asked that they be removed. That went to the Formula One commission and regrettably was instantly turned down by the majority of teams.”
The core Strategy Group integrates the leading teams only while all vote at the commission level.
Horner hoped something could be concurred for 2018 to make the fins a one-season wonder since the cars would be more appealing without them.
Red Bull have design ace Adrian Newey on their personnel, a title-winner with three different groups and known as a master of aerodynamics.
