With Formula One’s engines now running at lower revs and smaller gaps between the gears, the 2014 fixed ratio gearbox should therefore be able to cope with any track thrown at it. However, as we’ve already seen this season, the incredible torque generated by the 2014 power-trains has seen a phenomenon largely unseen even within this degenerative tyre era – wheel spin. After an inclement Malaysian qualifying session, McLaren’s Jenson Button explained that while traction was of the utmost concern, the most detrimental effect that taller gears were having on the cars was under braking. Being unable to use the engine less for deceleration (as teams might’ve done in the past) might be...
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