At this week’s meeting of the FIA, team leaders, power unit manufacturers and Formula 1 leadership, a consensus was reached on a series of rule revisions that will come into effect already during the current season. These changes are the result of months of consultation and data analysis aimed at optimizing the performance of the new cars – that is, they are a response to criticism from teams, drivers and spectators that racing has become “artificial” and “battery-powered” while drivers are more or less powerless over the whimsical behavior of their hybrid power units.
Energy management
The main focus of the agreed changes is on improving power management and increasing safety in conditions of reduced visibility and at the start of races. One of the most significant changes relates to energy management parameters during qualifying and the race.
The maximum allowed energy recovery has been reduced from 8 MJ to 7 MJ, which aims to reduce excessive energy collection (so-called harvesting) and encourage drivers to drive more evenly, aggressively. At the same time, the peak power of the system “superclipping” has been increased from 250 kW to 350 kW, which will reduce the time needed to charge the battery and make the work of drivers easier whensuperclipping” happened, usually at the ends of long routes.
In racing conditions, the FIA introduces additional restrictions to avoid excessive differences in speed between cars that use extra power and those that save it at that moment. The power available through the Boost system is now limited to an additional 150 kW, while the power delivery via the MGU-K unit will remain at 350 kW in key acceleration zones, such as corner exits and overtaking zones. In other parts of the track, this power will be limited to 250 kW.
In addition to the technical specifications of the engine, the rules regarding adaptation to different track configurations have also been revised. The number of races where alternative, lower energy restrictions can be applied has been increased from eight to twelve. This will allow regulators and teams greater flexibility in adapting the characteristics of the hybrid system to the specific requirements of the configurations of individual tracks in the calendar.
Security changes
Special emphasis is placed on safety in rainy conditions. Based on driver feedback, heater temperature for intermediate the tires will be increased to ensure their better grip immediately after hitting the track. The rear light system will be simplified and improved with visual warnings (side flashers) that will be activated in critical situations, making it easier for drivers behind to react in time in low visibility conditions.
Finally, new protocols were introduced for the start of the race and a correction of the energy counting system, which is reset at the beginning of the warm-up lap. While most of the technical refinements will be implemented already from the next race, the Miami Grand Prix (first weekend of May), certain safety mechanisms at the start will be tested first in order, after additional analysis, to make a final decision on their permanent application in the championship.