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My understanding is that the wash from old designs would reduce downforce for cars that follow, which in turn would slow them down and make it harder to overtake. This made for less interesting racing.

The new regulations are intended to promote overtaking. Teams of course are trying to maximize downforce within the new regulations.

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> My understanding is that the wash from old designs would reduce downforce for cars that follow, which in turn would slow them down and make it harder to overtake. This made for less interesting racing.

My understanding is that to reduce drag, the intakes for cooling air (engine and possibly intercooler) have been minimised to the point where they are sufficient for clean air but insufficient for turbulent air. The engine loses power.

No changes have been made to the intake, it's the aero package. From the horse's mouth:

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-rules-and-regu...

"What’s the change: A wider, higher – and much simplified – front wing

Why has it been made: To help chasing drivers follow the car in front more closely - and in turn increase the possibility of overtaking."

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