Vanja #66 wrote: ↑17 Jun 2018, 21:53
Talisman wrote: ↑17 Jun 2018, 20:19
If they go for Honda I think you might be right...
It's unrelated to engine as well. Next year, rules will require severely redesigned aero on new cars. Aero takes time to develop and teams stuck in 2018 C'ship battle will most likely suffer in early 2019(it happened in 2008-2009 transition and it happened in 2013-2014 transition, as most recent examples). Red Bull ain't gonna be there this year, so they will send all their resources to 2019 project sooner than Ferrari and Mercedes.
It won't change that much to be honest, the new aero regs aren't a huge change. There will be slightly less front wing downforce, but the bargeboards will be just as strong next year, and a year of development means gains here can balance out anything lost from the front wing. The cascade elements are maybe worth a few tenths, but the wider span may make it a wash considering any development on the inboard side of the wing.
The biggest deficit in lap time will come from the bigger rear wing, also without the slots on the end plates drag will invariably increase.