‘Shark fins’ may return to cars next despite the designs being banned for the 2018 F1 season.

A proposal to revive shark fins was discussed by the Formula One Strategy Group yesterday. Some teams are understood to favour the move as it gives them more space to offer to potential sponsors and incorporate the mandatory driver name and number signage.

The Strategy Group debated other potential aerodynamic changes to the cars to come into effect after the new season.

F1 Fanatic understands a revision to the barge board regulations, proposed by McLaren, has been adopted for next year. This is aimed at making the the area more useful for sponsors and more aesthetically pleasing. A Ferrari proposal for a simpler and less expensive rear wing endplate was also approved.

However a proposal from F1’s managing director of motorsport Ross Brawn for a simpler front wing design, a model of which was shown to teams, met with strong resistance. According to sources Ferrari threatened to use its veto right over the technical regulations to block the plan, which has now been dropped.

A further suggestion of increasing the minimum number of engines from three to four next year was also rejected.

The Strategy Group also discussed imposing a minimum period of ‘gardening leave’ on any ex-FIA or FOM staff hired by teams, to prevent them bringing sensitive information about competitors with them. However it was agreed a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ between the teams is necessary to enforce any period which is longer than that specified by the relevant local laws.

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