Are 2009 Formula 1 Cars the Ugliest Ever?

Posted by Kevin Guthrie Mar 16, 2009

Ever since the FIA announced rule changes banning aerodynamic add-ons and reducing downforce ahead of the 2009 Formula 1 season I've waited in excited anticipation for a first glimpse of the new cars. Surely the new machines would look far sleeker than their predecessors?

How wrong I was. Instead, what the new rules have produced is a field of ill proportioned creations, with extremely wide front wings and awkwardly narrow looking rear ones. Of course there will be those who argue that, as long as the quality of the racing is improved then the FIA will have achieved their goal, but surely the same results could have been achieved with more aesthetically pleasing cars.

Throughout the history of Formula 1 racing there have been many cars with questionable looks. Ugly ducklings which immediately spring to mind include the Tec-Mec Maserati 250F, March 711, Eifelland Type 21, Ferrari "Spazzaneve", Ligier JS5, ATS HS1, AGS JH22 and the recent walrus-nosed Williams FW26.

The difference with all of the cars mentioned above is that they were one of a kind designs, whereas the 2009 grid will be comprised entirely of machines which are ugly not by choice, but because of the new rules imposed upon designers.

Perhaps my opinion will change when I see all of the new Formula 1 cars in action for the first time, but somehow I doubt it. Instead, I expect I'll be left pining for a Lotus 79 or Eagle-Weslake.