Formula 1 manufacturer Renault has revealed its vision for the sport in 2027, which includes a revised package, altered regulations, and a tweaked race format.
To mark Renault’s 40 years in Formula 1, the manufacturer has outlined its idea of what the sport’s cars may look like in 10 years' time, with its concept 1340bhp closed-cockpit machine launched at the Auto Shanghai show.
The ‘RS.2027 Vision’ features a ‘more human-centric championship, with drivers at the heart of the sport, as illustrated by a transparent cockpit and a transparent helmet’, in order for fans to see the driver’s face and expressions.
The concept car would provide ‘a more spectacular show, with active LED lighting incorporated into the wheels, and moving aerodynamic parts such as the car’s active wings.'
Fans would be able to view telemetry, via the Internet, while safety would be enhanced ‘thanks to an autonomous mode that can be activated in the case of an accident, along with an ultra-resistant polycarbonate cockpit canopy to protect against impact.’
Safety would also be improved courtesy of vehicle-to-vehicle communication, enabling each driver to know where another cars is on-track, or while in the pit lane.
Technological advancements would create ‘an even more environmentally-respectful form of Formula 1, with the fuel tank capacity halved in the space of 10 years, plus a full-electric mode for use along the pit lane.’
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The RS.2027 Vision would be four-wheel drive, featuring two Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems, one front and rear, generating 500kW, compared to 120kW in 2027.
The total amount of power would be 1 megawatt, with the weight limited to 600kg, and a fuel tank restricted to 60kg.
A tweaked version of Formula E's 'FanBoost' would be implemented, with a digital display in the centre of the steering wheel informing the driver of his ‘fan ranking’ position, determined by spectators’ interaction on social media, rewarding the most deserving driver with an additional boost of power in the last laps.
“One role of Renault Sport Racing is to anticipate the future of Formula 1 so that it draws a maximum number of fans in an environment consistent with Groupe Renault’s objectives,” said Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul.
“We look forward to generating inspired conversations with the racing community, fans and enthusiasts through this concept that highlights our ideas and desires.”
Renault has added that its vision for the future would include a cost cap, believing it 'can attract more manufacturers and teams for a long-term commitment', while the financially-level playing field would allow teams 'an equal opportunity to compete.'
The manufacturer's 2027 vision proposes that development work would be restricted to just the remodelling of front and rear wings, engine cover, floor and diffuser, limited to three configuration changes per season.
Renault has additionally suggested a change to the race format, proposing that ‘Sunday’s centrepiece-race is shortened (250 kilometres instead of approximately 300 today) and divided into two parts: a long race and a second, shorter sprint known as the ‘Final Sprint.’
‘A Rookie Night Race, featuring the teams’ reserve drivers and the drivers who are in their F1 rookie year, is organised on the Friday evening of race week, ahead of Saturday’s official practice.’
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