2017 F1 cars will be faster by whooping 4.5 seconds a lap

After a series of 2017 spec tyre tests with top trio team of F1, Pirelli have revealed that the upcoming 2017 Formula One cars are set to be 4.5 seconds faster. Looks like it’s time to say ‘Goodbye lap records’

Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull have all tested the 2017-spec Pirelli tyres that are set to be introduced next year, All of these three teams provided “mule cars”, with 2015 models modified to replicate the high downforce expected next year.

Pirelli believe a 2.5 second decrease in lap-time will come purely with wider tyres, and another incredible 2 seconds further reduction will come with the new aerodynamics teams are set to put on their cars for Formula One next year.

“In the coming season, the cars will be 4.5 seconds per lap faster according to our calculations,” The Pirelli chairman said on Speedweek.

“2.5 seconds of this from the tyre, and the other two from the aerodynamics”

Former Toro Rosso driver Sebastien Buemi, after testing 2017-spec Pirelli tyres on a modified RB11 believes young drivers will be “scared” of the new 2017 Formula One cars.

Furthermore, Buemi made the following comments regarding a precise simulation of 2017 downforce levels, as well as testing the new 2017 tyres.

“Clearly the cars are going to be quicker,” Buemi told Motorsport.com.

“They’re going to be a lot quicker, they’re going to be a lot more physical [to drive].

“I think Formula 1 will go back to being the top of being very hard to drive. As a new driver you’ll be even scared to jump into the car – that’s good.

“In terms of show, I can’t say. The cars will be quicker in the corners, slower on the straights, so it’s difficult to say if we’ll see more overtaking, but it’s gonna be a lot more of a challenge – and that’s what F1 is supposed to be.

“For the guys who are already in F1 for a few years, it will be OK for them, but for the new ones it might be a shock. Physically it’s gonna be tough, and that’s not been the case in the last three or four seasons.

“I think the tyres look good, the car looks quick static. I think it’s gonna be great. More Gs, more speed in the corners – all good. The teams will have to adapt quickly, so it might change the shape of the grid.”