Shark fins won't be staying around in Formula 1 next year despite a push to retain the aerodynamic device which made a return this season under the new rules.
The large fin which sits atop the engine cover has been at the centre of much discussion recently following an initial decision by the FIA to ban it for 2018. However the majority of teams wanted to retain the fin, not only for the gains it brings, particularly through corners, but because it offers up additional sponsor space and room for driver numbers and names, which will now be moved to another area, taking up valuable space.
Nine teams supported the move to reverse the decision and keep the fins, but McLaren blocked the proposal on the grounds that it blocked the rear-wing and compromised the sponsor position, a decision which amused Ferrari's Maurizio Arrivabene.
"What is quite funny is that Zak said that the fin was interfering with the rear-wing, and in the meantime he said he would like to have more commercial space," said the Ferrari boss.
"So somehow he is removing the fin and doesn’t have anymore that commercial space, and on top he needs to find space for the number, so I think there is something wrong here."
Although a compromise for a smaller fin was put forward to try and appease McLaren, the Woking team continued with its opposition, therefore without unanimous support, the ban will remain in place.
Discussion about this post