2011 McLaren MP4-26 Revealed

The MP4-26 was revealed in Berlin on Feb 4th. The car has yet to be on track, they are scheduled to test at the Jerez circuit in Spain begining on Feb 10.

Let me start off by saying in my opinion this is the best looking chassis so far. It is interesting that the two most refined designs are both Mercedes powered yet look nothing alike.

Please visit the McLaren web site where they have built a 3D simulation of the car. At F1.com they have even more pictures that are available only to the F1.com site.

The most telling feature of this car are the amount of cooling intakes the car has for its various components. They are placed and designed with genius. From head on you can see the natural channel the air will take through, around and under the car. I am very interested to see if the channels design affects cars behind it in drafting and on track racing.

Reigning Champs Red Bull 2011 RB7

Red Bull's RB7 car was revealed in Valencia, Spain for this months F1 early season testing. The livery remains the same but there are significant changes to the car for 2011

 The side view mirrors are no longer on the side pods of Red Bulls F1 car. In this years design they are mounted on the moncoque.

The most interesting aspect of the RB 7 design is what exactly this telescopic wing plate does on the rear wing.My guess is that it directs air to the corner of the car that needs it most enhancing mechanical grip.

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber showing off the RB 7 in Spain. Webber came so close last year to the crown. Will he have enough this year to take on a more experienced and now champion Vettel?

This may be the last year at Red Bull for one or both drivers. Vettel rumored to be the subject of Ferrari's woos and Webber increasing in age with the his F1 clock ticking.

Ferrari to launch 2011 car on January 28

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali revealed the launch would take place at their Maranello base. The team - and the new car - will then journey to Spain to take part in the first official test of the year, which will get underway at the Valencia circuit from February 1-3.

Ferrari is said to be focusing on aerodynamics as one of the many major improvements to the chassis for 2011. After seeing what Red Bull did for Vettel and Webber they don't want Alonso to have to rely on pure power and skill to take the field.