Hybrid endurance racing and modern Formula 1 both rely heavily on automation to reduce the mental workload on drivers. Allan McNish recalled how overwhelming the first energy-per-lap regulations were in 2014, while the United States Grand Prix saw Andrea Kimi Antonelli take a dominant win that left him close to becoming Formula 1’s youngest champion.
Automation takes pressure off the driver
Like this year’s F1 cars, McNish’s hybrid Le Mans-winning car was highly automated. “When the new energy-per-lap regulations were introduced in 2014, that first year it was very manual and completely impossible for drivers. I was sitting on the pit wall wishing I wasn’t driving because of brain overload,” McNish said.
Power-unit control was quickly automated, giving drivers more mental space to handle the other tasks required during a racing stint. “Strategies to maximize tire feedback, information, different things in the differential…whatever he can talk to. But at the same time, he’s racing. So the more we can get out of the driver, the better,” McNish said.
“But at the end of the day it’s up to the driver to perform to the best of his ability. So there’s a lot of communication with the driver and a lot of adaptation as the race goes on. As the fuel load goes down and the tires deteriorate, the grip on the circuit goes up. The track should probably cool down here on Sunday afternoon, so there’s definitely some adaptability,” McNish told me.
Antonelli moves closer to the title
Antonelli will soon become F1’s youngest champion. Credit: Clive Rose/Getty Images
The race itself was not one of the season’s most exciting contests. Antonelli took pole position on Saturday and extended his lead by disappearing into the distance on Sunday for a comfortable win.
George Russell needs to score 23 more points than Antonelli in Mexico City to remain in title contention. Lewis Hamilton needs to score 24 points more than Antonelli to have a mathematical chance. Neither outcome is likely, and Antonelli will almost certainly be the next to sign.
Source: arstechnica.com