How does a F1 car go from being good one year to being crap the next?

Question

Like Renault. Can't the use the same model they had when they won?

Answer 1

The development of the cars moves to quickly to use the same car every year. Your competitors would leave you way behind if you kept the same car, that's why they get quicker every year. It's like comparing last years laptop to one which has just come out, just more magnified.



But also because key designers leave to go to rival teams

Answer 2

Lots of reasons, thats the thing with F1 its not just one thing.



Best examples

Williams won the title in 97 but Mclaren won in 98 as they found a way to develop the car with 98 regs better. Williams had a good car but McLaren just found a way to use the tyres better - both teams kept the same drivers for both seasons.



Stewart GP came 4th in '99 and dropped down to 9th on '00 because the team changed to Jaguar racing and expanded to quickly!!!!!, the tech and design teams made a real mess of the car while everyone else improved.



Its not just a case of going back to last seasons car because it was faster / easier to driver / more reliable or anything like that, you have to consider the regulation changes year on year. What might have helped you win the title last year may be illegal this year.

Answer 3

Technology is constantly improving so they can't use the same model for two years running. Plus, there are changes in the regulations each year, so teams have to build new cars to meet them.



Sometimes, when they try to improve on one area, a problem crops up in another. F1 cars are sensitive and delicate that a small problem could become a huge one during races. It's not easy to build a perfect car and to understand how come a previous model was so fantastic.

Answer 4

I agree with Jaffa. Every year teams and manufacturers develop and improve their cars. Sometimes teams will stay with their cars, but when others develop theirs, you get left behind. F1 is about both revolution and evolution. You have to be capable at both to get and stay ahead in the game.

Answer 5

its kinda difficult to answer.

all teams look at possible ways of improving their cars, its not like they stop thinking if they win.

but how such marked difference comes that is something i cant figure out. Renault was at top for two years then just woops, gone



maybe financial prob or migration of technical staff leads to this,

my guess is as good as yours

Answer 6

that's why f1 is consider the best because it takes alot of effort to stay on top