The V6 is expected to struggle in the Austrian Alps!
Since 2003, the Formula 1 circus hasn't set up its caravan in the Styrian Alps, the lung of Austria, and the forest might be difficult to traverse.
The power unit will be put to the test, with more than half of the lap at full throttle, the circuit is comparable to those of Montreal and Silverstone. These long periods of acceleration will subject the V6 to intense constraints. With only nine turns, energy recovery poses a real problem. Only small amounts of energy will be recovered, and the electric generator will need to be efficient to provide a real power gain to the V6.
The altitude of the circuit poses another problem; with lower atmospheric pressure, the turbocharger will have to spin faster and thereby flirt with the limits of the components. The MGU-K will allow the turbocharger to spin at a sufficient speed to improve the air deficit and, of course, provide a better response to acceleration.
The test benches of the teams have tried this track by getting as close as possible to the climatic conditions, but until the first tests are carried out on site, the data remains estimates, and errors can still occur.
Consumption is also an unknown, though it is possible to estimate it at 1.23kg per lap; it will also be the key to finishing the race. The lap time is estimated to be around 1min10s.
Pirelli manufacturer has chosen the softest compounds (soft tires with yellow bands and super-soft tires with red bands), it’s the third Grand Prix with the same type of tire.
This seemingly simple layout nevertheless complicates the small world of F1, as the last real data from this circuit dates back to 2003, making them obsolete. Compromises will be difficult to find, and the team that is best prepared will have a definite advantage, but let’s not forget the reliability that may come to trouble the race.
