On: F1 2014: All aboard the 'power train' - new rules ...

[k__]

Would it get any faster if they didn't need a driver?

[tobylane → k__]

Likely, as the monocoque (safety cell) has to be fairly tall. It's said above that the limit was 6G, which F1 nearly matches [1] (that GP wasn't for the most powerful engines in ~2000). With no space for driver there could be more aero meaning it could go round a corner like that faster, causing more sideways G.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Grand_Prix

[VLM → tobylane]

Aside from space issues I don't think you'd need to spend any weight on safety gear at all.

To keep the audience alive, the track safety upgrades would be unfortunately expensive for track owners.

To keep the cars on the road, I suspect expensive track modifications would eventually be required. Perfectly vertical turns, perhaps.