Fair point, I just assumed (perhaps wrongly) that because the FIA were concerned about teams using the "monkey seats" to effect by blowing exhaust gases over them, a-la the blown diffuser debacle of a few years ago like the article pointed out, that a potential development battle could ensue. But thinking about it now you mentioned it, the biggest changes in that area would only realistically come with an entire change of aero-package. And I suppose it's an area of relative in-significance whereby any development wouldn't really bring that many gains.
They don't do that though, to the same degree. Rather it's to help with upwash and try to make a connection with the diffuser and create a slightly better rear down force. Now teams after 2014 used it because the central exhaust design became mandatory and the idea was it would be a small aero device using exhaust gases for more downforce. It would help with rear grip (very slightly), and make the flow clean. However, it has been said the gains are small.
However with that said wouldn't miss the "monkey seat" if it was banned, as they're small, and whilst I'm certainly no aerodynamicist I can't imagine there's that much to gain in performance from that area (diffuser aside). But hey, it's potentially another piece to be scrutinised by the FIA, and questioned by other teams, so getting rid of isn't too bad of an option in the long run I guess.
There isn't that much gain, but there isn't that much gain from the shark fins, as said too. What is there to be judged though? It's a device that saw it's way on the highly experimental cars of Arrows in the early 00s. Then it saw a return in 2012 and has been with us since. As I said either have little benefit, and it seems one is being banned to keep the other, as if the FIA has to ban something. But why? Why not keep the cars reg wise as is. My issue is the micro managing.
Good point, completely forgot that the Merc ran without the Shark-Fin in testing. But even then I still stand by the view that it looks odd without the shark-fin, looks stretched and doesn't look right personally. I'm not a fan of the way the Merc looks anyway, but the Shark-fin improves it's appearance vastly, but I suppose I've become used to the fins even more now, hence why they look weird without them for me.
But it's each to their own at the end of the day, though I'd be happy to see them stay
.
No cause the shark fin Merc ended up with, was horrible and made the car worse looking, without it it looks much better. The long wheel base is why it seems somewhat strange. I get there is some limited functionality but I really hope that if they stay they will limit the shape more.
The current cars without the shark fin remind me of these cars from 04/05 and I think many others are reminded of the same, hence the mass wish to see them gone.
This is the difference I believe that is made when you don't have a shark fin to when you do, since 2017 doesn't have any good comparisons I'll use this image from 2010.
The McLaren isn't bad, but the Ferrari looks better without it. Looks like an F1 car of traditional sense as much as I hate using that term.
This is the best image i could find for the current cars without and with a shark fin.
Once again the car flows better, has a nice overall look about it. If the Toro Rosso shark fin was the mandatory template then I would have no issues with shark fins staying. But you get strange solutions, like that of the Merc or Force India.
