Entry 8 - Formula 1: Applying CS to the racetrack, Pt. 2

      
 Description of Topic:
        As I wrote a few weeks ago, the most popular form of motorsports here in the US, stock car racing, has embraced several facets of new technology (some provided through breakthroughs in computer science) in order to try and improve the product it delivers to its fans on a weekly basis. However, compared to other forms of racing, NASCAR is still towards the bottom in terms of technology. In Formula 1, technology has gained such a vital role that some are calling for increased restrictions on how much it is implemented in trying to find speed in the car; after all, it increases cost of operation and production for every team. The Drag Reduction System (DRS) is the subject of many of these complaints. DRS is a program implemented into the on board computer of every race car (another tech that NASCAR has outlawed) automatically adjusts the front and rear wing angle when following another car for increased downforce, creating a better chance for the pursuing car to pass the other. Some fans (and even drivers) have complained that this is unfair to a car that his built a lead over the field, and reduces the ability drivers have to control the outcome of the race. In recent years, NASCAR has moved to put more control in the hands of the drivers, by reducing downforce and bringing hard tire compounds to the track, making the cars much more difficult to drive. However, with the inclusion of systems like DRS, on board computers, and advanced traction control in F1 racing, it seems that the winning team might no longer have a great driver, but simply the best technology.

 Applications to CS:
Despite whether these new programs implemented in F1 are good for the sport or a hindrance, the technology behind them is truly a marvel. With the inclusion of the on board computer in modern day open wheeled racers produced my teams like Ferrari, Red Bull, and Williams, it is much easier/faster to determine the optimal setup for the car on a given race weekend. Nobody can argue that the amount of on track action has increased; there are more late passes for the lead, faster lap times, and closer racing have all improved with tech like DRS. The debate on whether these benefit the sport can be applied to many other areas if you simplify the question to "how much CS is needed." While most would say they enjoy these benefits, it's also important for a good driver to be able to overcome and win the race. Nobody wants to see an average driver dominate simply because his team spent millions on developing these programs to gain speed. Going forward, it will be important for Formula 1 to recognize advances in computer science, and carefully decide which of these advances would improve the sport of F1, focusing on safety of drivers and fans, and creating better racing WITHOUT operational costs going through the roof, just like NASCAR has done.

Links:
https://www.google.com/search?q=drag+reduction+system&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwinxZfHvIHTAhXMOCYKHZ0wB2sQ_AUICigD&biw=1280&bih=636#imgrc=4EUdYPWOBLkNEM:
https://www.formula1.com/en/championship/inside-f1/rules-regs/Drag_Reduction_System.html