Last Sunday’s Belgian grand prix was the first time the new ‘power unit’ era proved faster than the screaming V8-powered machines of 2013.
So far this year, the turbo V6s – combined with lower downforce and heavier cars – have proved at least several seconds slower than the pace of the past.
But at Spa-Francorchamps, the fastest lap on Sunday – achieved by championship leader Nico Rosberg – was two tenths quicker than the corresponding race of 2013, won by champion Sebastian Vettel. An analysis by the German specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport shows why.