Traction control is a system that prevents the wheels from spinning under acceleration. This can cause loss of grip and speed. It is a common feature in road cars, but in Formula 1, it has a controversial history. One of the teams that has been at the center of this controversy is Ferrari, which has been accused of using traction control illegally or unfairly on several occasions.
The first time Ferrari was suspected of using traction control was in the early 1990s. At that time the system was allowed in F1. Ferrari’s rivals claimed that the Italian team had an advanced traction control system that gave them an edge over the competition.
However, there was no conclusive evidence to prove this allegation.
The FIA Banned And Then Unbanned Traction Control Systems
In 1994, the FIA banned traction control from F1. All other electronic aids were also banned to reduce costs and increase driver skill.
However, enforcing this ban was difficult, as some teams found ways to hide or disguise their traction control systems.
The Ferrari F1 Cheating was again suspected. This was especially after Michael Schumacher won the 1994 and 1995 championships with Benetton. After this he moved to Ferrari in 1996.
In 2001, the FIA lifted the ban on traction control and other electronic aids. They realized that they could not prevent teams from using them.
Ferrari dominated this era, winning six consecutive constructors’ titles and five consecutive drivers’ titles with Schumacher from 2000 to 2004. Some of their rivals complained that Ferrari had an unfair advantage with their traction control system. It was integrated with their engine and gearbox.
The FIA Re-Banned Traction Control
In 2008, the FIA banned traction control again, along with other electronic aids, to make F1 more challenging and exciting.
To ensure compliance, the FIA introduced a standard Engine Control Unit (ECU) for all teams. This prevented them from using any illegal software or hardware.
After the Ferrari F1 Cheating saga it struggled to adapt to this change. It lost both championships to McLaren and Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
Since then, traction control has been prohibited in F1. The FIA has strict rules to prevent any team from using it.
However, some teams have still been accused of finding ways to circumvent the rules and gain an advantage.
For example, in 2013, Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel were suspected of using a form of traction control by manipulating the engine mapping and exhaust blowing. However, these allegations were never proven
