Marketing cars is a key part of the reason for F1's existence.
Almost every car, almost every day is driven in accordance with a mandated speed limit (yeah, I know, but play along).
Lots of things (including road cars) can go faster in a straight line than an F1 car, so straightline speed isn't key to F1's prestige.
So, why not mandate a speed limit for F1 cars?
It would be easy to do simply by controlling gear ratios.
It would focus more on the usable aspects of the technology (acceleration, grip, handling, braking)
It would cut costs (so long as there is a powerful, affordable engine, of course ) as aero wouldn't be so (so) important - the incremental benefits would be reduced, and other aspects (or just paying better drivers) might prove more beneficial.
So it could (possibly ) solve a lot of problems around cost, relevance, driver input, safety. TV ratings. jobs for the boys and circuit mutilation.
I'm sure it's a daft idea, but in the context of this engine nonsense, it kind of makes sense to me (after a long, long lunch).
Feel free to disagree
Edited by oetzi, 16 November 2015 - 23:23.