The FIA have slowed them again!!

[Andy B]

We have all said this "they have slowed them down" and I expect the governing bodies will continue to do so.
Engine specification changes, body work limits, aero dynamic restrictions. Remember "gentlemen please raise your skirts!!
So where would F1 be if the regulations had not restricted developement and they had not been slowed how much quicker could they go?
I know its a hyperthetical question but it made me wonder. I once made a birthday present for a friend showing winners of the British GP from the date of his birth and it was surprising how little the lap times had changed over 50 years, I know the circuit has changed but even so the authorities have also had a hand in it.
I believe the biggest change would be the cornering speeds.

[lkjohnson1950]

A very interesting question. I don't know that corning speed would be a lot higher. The 2008 F1 cars developed more down force than the ground effect cars of the 80s. I suspect if they had contineud to develop ground effects, they would be making similar levels of down force, but with less drag, allowing for more top speed. They would almost certainly be doing more passing as the GE cars were much less dependant on the front wings to turn the car. Any Psychics on board?

Lonny

[cosworth151]

Changing regs to reduce speed has been going on in most top-level circuit racing series since the 70's. It's done in the name of safety.

Here's what might have been: The NHRA hasn't slowed its cars down. I was watching the Gatornationals last night. They talked to "Big Daddy" Don Garlits. He was the king of Top Fuel Dragsters, the fastest class. They mentioned that the speeds he turned in the early days would have put him 15th in Pro Stock (the slowest of the 4 major classes) this past week-end.

[Dare]

Indy has been slowed down numerous times.In the mid 90's with lap
speeds becoming near as fast as reflexes with lap speeds nearing
240 mph it was a needed safety factor

[lkjohnson1950]

The NHRA has indeed slowed the cars at least three times. First they forced the teams to go to direct drive, no 2 speed tranny, thinking it would slow them at the start. That lasted about a year before the teams were just as fast. Then they limited the teams to 90% nitromethane, thus reducing power. that also lasted about a year. They have restricted rear tire pressure, blower drive ratio, electronic clutch control etc. Most recently, they shortened the race from 1/4TH mile to 1000 feet, knocking about 30 MPH off the terminal speed, but the teams are getting it back. It is true in any series that if you limit a car by the rules, a good team will figure out how to regain the speed quickly. PS, if you haven't stood next to a fuel dragster or Funny Car when they launch, you have missed a great life experience. They do indeed shake or pound the ground, and the sound, even with protection, is absolutely shattering. 

Lonny

[Scott]

You can ask Ian what it's like to stand a couple metres beside the exit of the tunnel at Monza as the cars come through full throttle.  It may not be as 'shattering' as an NHRA dragster, but you really need to be ready or it'll knock the wind out of you.  Also 

[Ian]

Woo hoo, mind blowing ain't it Scott.

[lkjohnson1950]

Stood on the pit wall at Long Beach and Vegas for 4 (5?) F1 starts with Cosworth V8, Matra, Alfa, Ferrari V12, Renault, Ferrari and BMW turbos. Awesomely loud, but not like a pair of 6000 HP fuelers.

Lonny