It\’s not easy to understand all the rules and regulations in Formula One, especially for rookie fans. The ample technical terms involved in the sports like Porpoising, Camber, and Drag do not make it easy either. And another such term that has been in the news for a few days now is Chicane. But don\’t worry if you don\’t understand what it means, as we are here to tell you everything about it.
What Is A Chicane?
Chicanery is an old word for trickery. A chicane is a double corner that tricks you into going right when you intend to turn left. The term Chicane is given to track curves used in Formula One that are intended to slow the cars down. Their prominence stems from the fact that they were placed in 1995 at Tamburello Corner in San Marino following the passing of Ayrton Senna in 1994. It is a brief, swift turn that alternates between turning left and right or right and left, and it sends you in about the same direction.
Chicane\’s function is to either slow down the cars or give the track a technical component. The most lap time may typically be gained or lost by F1 drivers in chicanes. Drivers can speed as fast as their vehicle will allow them to in high-speed turns. But in chicanes, they must decide if carrying too much speed will be advantageous or risky. In order to enter a chicane, a driver can make a right turn, then immediately make a left turn. However, the chicane also serves as a reason for some high-risk accidents. The same happened in 2021 at Turn 1 in Monza, Italy, where Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided.
Does Every F1 Track Have Chicane?
Chicanes in Formula One are distinctive in appearance. But no, not every Formula One track has one. Chicanes are strategically placed only on some of the trickier tracks in Formula One. There are some Formula One tracks with many chicanes and others with none at all. Races in Canada, Monaco, Singapore, France, Monza, and Mexico may contain many chicanes. Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, on the other hand, lack chicanes.
Why Can Chicanes Be Problematic?
Chicanes tend to break up long straights of a track, which is why their primary function is safety. To prevent vehicles from turning into more sweeping turns at dangerous speeds, they include extensive braking zones. As a result, they become excellent spots for overtaking. However, chicanes are not specifically made to provide an overtaking zone where the struggle can be waged over the subsequent few turns if the overtake is not finished right away.
As a result, Chicanes have frequently been called in after a fatal accident to make sure it never happens again. Examples of this include the Alberto Ascari and Jochen Rindt-inspired Ascari chicane. There are several reasons why there are fewer major accidents in motorsports. While certain chicanes are quite tricky and detract from the excitement of the race, others can create exhilarating moments.
Miami Chicane In Formula One!
The Chicane in Miami\’s Grand Prix tracks is one of the most infamous chicanes in Formula One. Over the years, countless drivers and manufacturers have raised concerns about the same. The 19-turn layout of Miami\’s circuit, making its Formula 1 debut in May, was generally well-received. Drivers had a few complaints, the first of which was the surface and the off-line issues.
The tight Turn 14/15 chicane was the second thing that made racing difficult. Chicane\’s positioning and the closely spaced corners that surround it. Due to its geographic location beneath the Turnpike overpasses, the organizers nearly felt compelled to force it. Drivers have said they plan to campaign for changes to be done before the event in 2023. The 5.41-kilometer anticlockwise circuit surrounding the Hard Rock Stadium was designed by UK-based track experts Apex Circuit Design. The layout has to descend beneath the two overpasses in accordance with FIA standards governing the clearance of the above structures to the track surface. The Southbound Access Ramp crossed after rising 11 feet, causing a crest in the Turn 14–15 Chicane.
Meanwhile, in May 2022, Mercedes\’ seven-time World Champion driver Lewis Hamilton also joined the list of people criticizing Miami Chicane. Hamilton compared the slow-moving Chicane to Miami\’s \”B&Q car park.\” For instance, Mick Schumacher wrecked during the 2021 race on the Saudi Arabian track in Jeddah, which has a high-speed chicane. The high Turn 14/15 chicane, which crosses a turnpike, was made specifically to cause errors. It makes drivers vulnerable to a potential challenge from behind as they make their way to the last bend.
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