The Biggest F1 Races Taking Place in 2019

2019 brings another exciting year for Formula 1 racing! Even though we are past the halfway mark for the year, we still have a number of races to look forward to. Here are some of the biggest F1 races taking place in 2019.

 

Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2019 – 20-22 September

Singapore’s Marina Bay Circuit is known for its nighttime races, having hosted the first one in F1 history back in 2008. The physically demanding 5.063km course provides no shortage of challenges for the driver, from bumpy surfaces to high humidity. What’s more, the circuit features 23 corners during the high-speed lap. This race gives visitors a chance to experience Singapore at its best.

 

Formula 1 VTB Russian Grand Prix 2019 27-29 September

The Sochi Autodrom was the site of the Formula 1’s first-ever Russian Grand Prix in 2014. The circuit itself grew from the internal roads of the park built for the Winter Olympics that same year. One of the unique features of the track is right at Turn 3, a 750m constant-radius left turn that takes drivers around the outside of the Poyushchiye fountain. This early autumn race means that it’s still warm enough for visitors to take advantage of some of Russia’s best beach resorts in Sochi. Unfortunately, ski season doesn’t start until at least December. 

 

Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix 2019 11-13 October

While the Suzuka International Racing Course (better known as just “Suzuka”) was built in 1962, it didn’t see its first Grand Prix until 1987. The track is one of the seminal courses in Formula 1, with driving challenges like snaking S curves and a crossover and remains a favorite among drivers. Kimi Räikkönen holds the current lap record of 1:31.540 from 2005, but we’ll see if anyone can beat that this year. 

 

Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 01-03 November

The Circuit of the Americas’ first Grand Prix was in 2012, which drew a crowd of over 100,000 spectators. The crowd witnessed Lewis Hamilton’s last win in a McLaren before he made the switch to Mercedes the following year. The circuit draws inspiration from a few of the other famous tracks in F1 history, like Suzuka and Hockenheim. The uphill run into Turn 1 provides the opportunity for some overtaking action.

Equipment Trends in F1 Racing – 2019

By looking at the latest tech designs for the 2019 F1 racing teams, we can get an idea of who will get a jump on the season. It seems that a shipment of new parts arrived in Canada providing a glimpse of what the teams are up to, and how similar some of these designs are. First up, at the Circus Gilles Villeneuve, Red Bull unveiled nose horns that will be used by the team. These horns sit in the nose transition area and help to control the airflow of the region. Mercedes tested a design pre-season, dog-leg shaped winglets where the chassis and nose meet in an effort to draw air around the chassis more effectively. Alfa Romeo Racing has developed an alteration of the design, using four fins on either side of the chassis for better results.

Since the beginning of the season, Renault F1 Team showed up in Monaco with dog-legged winglets on either side of the chassis. They have also developed the R.S. 19 rear wing, which has a more defined tail, and with deleted bounding lines on the three upwash wings has allowed for another strake in outer bounding lines. The outer surface of the endplate has been modified to for better airflow direction. A DRS Actuator pod has been given a tail which limits the amount flap that occurs when it swings upward. Renault has opted for a singular fin, as opposed to multiple, with a finned floor arrangement, hoping to boost floor performance.

Ferrari has the SF71H Azerbaijan GP is a similar finned solution which is designed to improve performance by relying on fully enclosed holes that lie on the floor slightly ahead of the rear wheels. Racing Point has been feeling the struggles they had last season, both technically and financially. This time they are bringing a series of parts to help them improve performance that has been previously untapped. First, is an add on solution for the nose similar to the cape one used by Mercedes. It is around the side and under the nose to guide the airflow already taken in by the nose downstream. Williams also began using Mercedes cape solution in 2018 and has an improved suspension to combine it with the hopes of performance improvement. Also using a cape solution is McLaren with the Spanish GP. It is a very complex solution in use since 2018, but they have made changes to the complexity of the nose to streamline performance.

A Review of the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix

carl-turnley-grandprixLet’s take a moment to recap the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix, a race that was certainly exciting and action-packed:

The winner of the race was Lewis Hamilton driving for Mercedes. Lewis admitted it wasn’t his finest weekend until the final 10 laps of the race. He insisted Ferrari were “incredibly quick” during the race. During the middle stint of the race, he had a competitive race with Sebastian Vettel. Fortunately, Hamilton was able to perform a dazzling move on the brakes to surpass Sebastian and take second place. On lap 48, Hamilton passed Charles Leclerc to take first place. On the final stretch, Leclerc’s vehicle had a loss of power, due to cylinder failure, which resulted in not taking the victory lap.

The loser of the race was deemed to be Sebastian Vettel. He had an incredible start; however, it was downhill beginning on lap 38. His vehicle spun out, which resulted in Lewis Hamilton passing him up. The effects of the spin out caused the front wing to break off. From that point on, his hopes of getting a podium position were eliminated, he finished the race in fifth place. On a positive note, he finished the race one short of 100 races in his career. A feat only accomplished by Hamilton (130) and Michael Schumacher (142).

The race team considered the winner would be Mercedes. Mercedes was off to a great start during the season-opener; however, when they arrived in Bahrain the dust seemed to have settled. Ferrari was apparently no match for the Mercedes cars. Ferrari excelled during practice and in qualifying. Ferrari secured the front row during qualifying. It was expected for Hamilton to at least earn a podium spot, but not for his teammate Bottas. To much a surprise, it was Mercedes that took first and second place. This one-two finish was a first for Mercedes since 2014. It earned Mercedes 39 points clear of their rivals Ferrari in the constructor’s championship.

The overall winner was considered the Bahrain International Circuit. The usual warm desert sun was not out on Sunday, before the Grand Prix. Nevertheless, the climate was forgotten as the Bahrain International Circuit produced a stormy race of their own. The race was exciting throughout the event, especially the final 10 laps.

The Biggest Changes Coming to the Automotive Industry in 2019

carl-turnley-automotiveUntil recently, the automotive industry has been in a slump. It seems the early 2000s brought design changes that would move the industry forward; however, it was simply a new standard was set. Only a few innovative companies have been pushing the industry forward. Even a few newcomers – like Google and Tesla – have brought new technology to the automotive world in recent years. 2018 saw some interesting changes, and 2019 seems to have a lot in store as well. Below are some of the trends – some carrying over from last year and some new – for the automotive industry in 2019.

Electric Cars

Electric cars aren’t going anywhere. They may not be ideal for all areas of the world, but they are great in the cities. You won’t see many electric cars on the planes of Kansas or the mountains of Colorado, where you’ll often have to travel 100 mile round trips to visit certain points of interest; however, they are perfect for short commutes.

Ferrari’s New CEO

One of the many predictions for 2019 relates to Ferarri being under new leadership. We know that Ferrari has announced 15 new models to be released in the coming years, but they may not be what we expect. If the upcoming Ferrari Purosangue is anything to go by, Ferrari could be transitioning heavily into the crossover world. It all depends on how successful the Purosangue is. We could even see a low-cost crossover from Ferrari.

Subscription Services

Leasing or buying? This has been the question for anyone looking for a new car up until now. BMW and Porsche already have projects like these, but considering the cost, they will remain exclusive clubs for the wealthier citizens. However, if other companies hop on the trend, we could see subscription services like these that will rival the cost of leasing or buying.

Self Driving Vehicles

The innovative self driving car has met some speed bumps in the last few years, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t pushing forward. Only available in certain cities, like San Francisco and Phoenix, self driving cars could really be the future. Ideally and under perfect conditions, self driving cars would be the safest way ever invented to travel.

Top Cars Arriving in the New Year

carl-turnley-2019carIn time for the start of 2019, a number of auto manufacturers are getting ready to introduce their new lineups. In the mix, will be a number of new models in addition to upgrades of popular models and a few that are being resurrected from the past.

The popularity of the crossover and SUV inventories will see a number of new models for the New Year. Subaru plans on introducing the larger Ascent SUV. The vehicle is designed to include three rows of seats. Fuel economy conscious consumers can expect a number of new hybrids that include the Honda Insight, the Jaguar I-Pace and the Lexus UX. Tesla will offer the all-electric Model X.

Upgraded vehicles include the RDX by Acura. The Ford Ranger boasts an all-new design as does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Ram 1500. Ford brought about a few changes in the company’s latest Mustang.

The Mustang GT coupes feature the Performance Package Two. The PP2 includes “MagneRide” adaptive dampers. The anti-roll bars on the front and rear of the vehicles are designed to be up to 67 percent stronger. The springs on the front and the rear are also reportedly up to 20 percent stiffer. The changes enable the GT to take corners better and provide more stability on the back roads.

Powerful muscle car fans will love the Ford Mustang Bullitt. The impressive engine in the Bullitt delivers 480 horsepower without forced induction. The sound alone of the engine revving provides an adrenaline rush. Add the blast from the exhaust and you have an exceptional muscle car that performs.

Jeep has long been synonymous with making quality off-road vehicles. However, for 2019, the company introduces the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The vehicle shows us a totally different side to the Jeep name. The SUV features a 6.2 supercharged V8 engine capable of delivering more than 700 horses. The new Jeep goes from zero to 60mph in a mere 3.3 seconds. On a quarter-mile track, the Trackhawk easily accomplished the task in 11.6 seconds.

Although many believe that turbocharged four-cylinder engines are somewhat run of the mill, the engine in the new Mazda MX-5 Miata models is definitely different. The engine’s design reminds some of the capabilities of an Alfa Romeo or a Lotus-Ford twin cam. As such, drivers get a vehicle that is responsive and smooth.

Changes Coming to F1 for 2019 Racing Season

carl-turnley-racing

Those who are fans of Formula One racing are well aware of one of the problems the sport faces. In most Formula One races, those who start in the first rows almost always win unless there is an accident on the track.

There are two reasons for this. Formula One teams are experts at what they do. They know how to pace out a race to make sure that nothing goes wrong from start to finish. Another problem is that it is very hard to pass and overtake on the track.

In order to make it easier for drivers to pass, and to add some more excitement to F1, there are changes being made to the setup of the cars for the 2019 racing season. These changes are in anticipation of more extensive changes that are to be implemented in the 2021 season.

For 2019, the front wings on an F1 car will be wider, and there will be fewer flaps. This is being done in order to make it more aerodynamically possible for a driver to follow another driver closely. Right now, the setup of the cars causes turbulence when in the following position. This makes it harder for drivers to maintain the position that they need to be in to take advantage of passing opportunities.

There will also be a change in the design of the front brake ducts. There are currently small wings on the brake duct assemblies. In 2019, these will no longer be used. With this redesign, the brake ducts will be more apt to serve their intended purpose of providing cooling. It is hoped that this change will also help to end the problem of blown front axles that plagued several of the racing teams such as Ferrari, Force India and Haas during the current racing season.

There will be changes in the rear wing of the cars in 2019 as well. The rear wings will be taller and wider. The design of the rear wing will be simplified. This change will increase the downforce on the vehicle. This will stop the practice of coasting that some drivers currently use to make sure that they don’t run out of fuel.

With these changes in place for the 2019 Formula One season, the racing should be more exciting. There may be more chances for drivers to make a move resulting in fewer pole to win situations.