How fast could an F1 car go without regulations?

If all the regulations were removed, how much faster in terms of lap times could F1 cars go?

This would mean unlimited engine size, fuel mix, tyre size, wing size, ground effect, active suspension, traction control etc.

Obviously this would be very dangerous and it wouldn't be a good idea, but how much faster do you think they would be? Would drivers be able to cope with the G-force?


I think the regulations need changing. Firstly so that it's easier to overtake as cars still suffer an aerodynamic penalty following other cars. Change the rules so that instead of saying what the diffuser must be like etc, just say the air behind the car must have a maximum turbulance, or a F1 car following x distance behind must be able to generate x% of its downforce in clean air. Then leave it up to the engineers.

Also give them a maximum amount of fuel for the race and reduce it every year (they used to do this in the 80's), but allow any engine size, and remove the minimum weight limit (cars must still be as safe in a crash though) with ballast to make up for differences in driver weight. Active suspension and aerodynamics could also be reintroduced (keep the minimum ground clearance though). Basically to encourage investment and innovation in improving efficiency. Cars would still be just as fast, designers would just be instead designing the most efficient (power per gallon of fuel) engine instead of just the most powerful. In terms of viewing the races it would seem no different, except maybe some drivers might run out of fuel on the last lap, which would add a bit of excitement at the end.

Also the proposed budget caps are a good idea (i think they should include the drivers salary as well though!).

Overall i think that would create more exciting racing, with a more sustainable future, with more innovations making their way into production cars. And cost less.