Lotus Formula 1 Teams Develops Reactive Ride Height System, Other Teams Forced to Keep Up

There is another big flair up in Formula 1 about technology rules. Lotus has developed a system that maintains the car's ride height under braking to make the car more stable and theoretically faster. Lotus refers to the system as reactive ride height control. The system is entirely mechanical and reacts to brake torque and is linked directly to the suspension. The FIA has ruled this system as legal because the driver is not able to adjust ride height from the cabin, and it says that the system is part of the suspension. 

Ferrari says that it has already developed its own reactive ride height system and is awaiting for the FIA's ruling on its system to make sure it adheres to the rules. 

"We are waiting for the final confirmation if this kind of devices will be acceptable or not. But for sure we are looking around these sorts of devices to see if they contribute to a performance. But we need to wait and see what will be the reaction to the FIA on that," said Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali. 

With Lotus definitely using this tech and Ferrari more than likely using it pending FIA approval, it means that the other teams will have to develop competitive systems. Theoretically this system will make the car more stable under braking and therefore quick through the corners. 

It seems like all of this scrutineering by the FIA is unnecessary. Lotus and Ferrari have developed mechanical versions of systems that were electronically controlled in Formula 1 cars in the early 90s. If Formula 1 is supposed to be the pinnacle of automotive technology, let the teams develop the cars as they see fit and forget this distinction between mechanical and electronic technologies. 

Source: Autosport and Autosport