Fernando Alonso has put forth an intriguing theory regarding the notable absence of safety car deployments in Formula 1 races, which has reached an unprecedented nine-race streak without a safety car being called into action. This marks the longest stretch without a safety car since the period between the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix and the 2004 Spanish Grand Prix. Notably, this streak includes the first-ever Singapore Grand Prix held without a safety car, raising questions about the reasons behind this trend.
Alonso attributes this unusual phenomenon to the unique characteristics of the current generation of ground-effect cars. He suggests that the nature of these cars allows drivers to achieve faster lap times when they are not operating at their absolute limits. According to Alonso, driving at around 90% can often yield better performance because it prevents the car from being positioned at inconvenient angles or ride heights, which are typically responsible for crashes and loss of control.
He elaborates on this point, stating, "These cars are not easy to drive, but I think the problem of these cars as well is to extract the 100%." This statement emphasizes the challenge drivers face in balancing speed and control. Alonso believes that by driving within a safer margin, drivers can maintain a steadier pace and avoid the critical situations that often lead to incidents requiring a safety car.
Alonso also highlighted the perplexing performance dynamics of the current cars, particularly evident during qualifying sessions. He recalled his experience in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he found himself in 15th place in Q1, only to dramatically improve to 5th in Q2 after changing tires. "I improved like 1.1 seconds. I was driving the same. I was braking at the same points. It was the same preparation in that lap, but I was able to improve 1.1 seconds," he explained. This inconsistency in performance further underscores the complexity of managing the cars at high speeds.
He acknowledged that many drivers experience similar inconsistencies, noting, "Sometimes we don't find explanations of when we are fast, when we are slow, and why." This complexity is compounded by the extensive data available from sensors on the cars, which can highlight small differences affecting performance.
Ultimately, Alonso concluded that in race conditions, where drivers focus on tire management and fuel economy, they tend to drive more conservatively, contributing to the decrease in incidents. He remarked, "That's why sometimes in the races, because we all drive at 90%, we have to take care of the tyres, the fuel economy, all these kinds of things, we don't see too many problems and we don't see too many safety cars or accidents."
In essence, Alonso's insights shed light on a fascinating aspect of modern F1 racing dynamics, suggesting that the current generation of cars and the drivers' strategic approaches to managing speed and control may play a significant role in the ongoing absence of safety car interventions.
