Abstract for: Technology, performance and team adaptation to regulation in Formula 1

This paper looks at how competition, regulation and technology coevolve in Formula 1 and how teams adapt. It does so at two levels: (i) the system level viewing Formula 1 competition as a whole and (ii) the organizational level, viewing team adaptation and car development level. The path this coevolutionary trajectory competition has taken in modern Formula 1 (1970 – 2013), is examined by looking at season results and regulation changes that punctuate its path. The understanding developed through this are summarised in a causal loop diagram and some implications are worked out for the forthcoming 2014 season.