F1 studies introducing “rain kit” in 2024!

This was seen at the 2021 Belgian GP. And the problem is accentuated with the new 2022 cars. If the track was for heavy rain tires, it would be impossible for the cars to compete in the race due to zero visibility. The problem lies in the enormous performance of the heavy rain tires, which allow the evacuation of about 85 liters/second of water at a speed of 300 km/h. That translates to grip, but in turn, to a big problem: the huge spray the cars put out, which impairs the drivers’ visibility and prevents them from competing safely. For this reason, yesterday, after the F1 Commission held in Abu Dhabi, the study of some measures that could take effect in 2024 was announced. The FIA ​​announced that it had “started a study to define a package of components with the aim of suppressing the spray generated when driving in wet track conditions”. According to the FIA, the study focused on “the definition of a standard body kit” with the aim of avoiding spraying rubber with minimal bodywork on the wheels (fairing), among other elements such as the fairing that it does not hinder the changes of the Tire in the pits.

In addition, the installation of additional lights on vehicles is being studied. They are also looking into introducing DRS from the start of the race to have “closer racing” and want to remove tire heaters.

The FIA ​​statement:

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “Formula 1 is clearly in a very strong position at the moment, and this growth and development is due in no small part to the hard work of all staff, officials and volunteers. of the FIA ​​​​and Stefano Domenicali and his organization I want to thank you all and of course the competitors represented here at the Formula 1 Commission who put on a fantastic show this year Based on the recent race I think it can let’s look forward to another very exciting year in 2023, and we will continue to push to improve the sport in all areas and ensure that the growth we have seen this year continues.”

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “Formula 1 has had an incredible season and continues to grow worldwide. It would not be possible without the work of everyone involved at Commission level and all its teams. We are all working together to continue to improve the sport for our fans and the Chairman, and I want to continue to maximize the results for the sport so that 2023 will be a better year for F1.”

The following is a summary of the main points of discussion and decision:

1. Review of regulatory and judicial processes

The Commission was informed that the FIA ​​is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Sporting Regulations for 2024 as part of its ongoing commitment to developing and refining its regulatory processes. The FOM and teams will be consulted during the review, and the resulting changes are expected to be approved by the end of April 2023 complies with FIA Formula 1 governance standards. In addition, the FIA ​​will conduct a general review of its judicial process in 2024.

Wet Weather Update

Driver feedback has suggested that visibility in extremely wet conditions has been reduced in this latest generation of cars, which is a key determinant for starting or stopping sessions. Therefore, the FIA ​​has started a study to define a package of components with the aim of suppressing the fog that forms when driving in wet conditions. The study focuses on the following:

– Definition of a standard body kitwith the aim of preventing tire blowout in wet conditions by using minimal bodywork over the tyres.

– Understand the contribution of surface water collected through underground tunnels to understand its importance.

– Ensure that the layout does not overly impede wheel changes at pit stops.

– Find additional benefits such as additional lights to improve the visibility of the car.

– Devices that should only be installed before a race or during a red flag due to extreme wet conditions.

Preliminary work and an initial concept have been submitted to the Commission, and the FIA ​​will continue to work to refine the proposals, with further updates expected in 2023.

2. Grid and power unit penalties

The Commission discussed possible updates to the penalties for power unit violations. It was agreed that the current system was not a strong enough deterrent for teams to make strategic changes to the Power Unit, and encouraged changing more items than necessary when a driver accumulated more than a certain level of punishment. Ultimately, this leads to higher component costs and weakens annual Power Unit item restrictions.

This will continue to be discussed with the Sports and Energy Unit Advisory Committees for further review and refinement.

3. Tire blanket strategy 2023-2025

The goal of the FIA ​​and FOM remains to eliminate tire caps by 2024; however, after extensive discussion and feedback from drivers, the Commission decided to delay any final decision until July 2023, allowing for further data collection and testing feedback to fully inform the conclusions.

4. Activation of DRS after start, restart or after safety vehicle

The Commission approved a proposal to examine a method of keeping the group closer and encouraging closer racing by bringing DRS activation to a lap after the start of a race or sprint session, or after resetting the vehicle to safety. It will be tested at every Sprint session in 2023 with a view to introducing it for all races in 2024.

5. Parc fermé for events that include a Sprint session

Discussed updates on ways to streamline parc fermé processes in events that include a Sprint session. As previously mentioned by the Commission, events that include a Sprint session impose additional operational requirements on the FIA ​​due to the significant increase in demands on Parc Ferme between qualifying and the Sprint.

6. Accident Damage Allowance

The system set up to deal with the impact of crash damage during a Sprint session will be simplified. The Accident Damage Allowance will be replaced by a fixed amount per team for each event that includes a Sprint session. The Commission approved the proposal to increase the amount of the loss (accident) allowance for each 50k Sprint to $300k starting in 2023. All other Sprint allowances (minor damages in accordance with Art.4.1(l))(ii) and property damage pursuant to Art.4.1(l)(iii)). (NDR: In this way, the FIA ​​​​will give more money to teams that have accidents in sprint races so that they do not suffer from the possible violation of the budget ceiling and thus encourage drivers to take more risks).

7. Technical and Financial Regulations

Minor amendments to the Technical and Financial Regulations in 2023 were unanimously approved. In addition, regulations introducing additional and more stringent requirements for the strength of anti-roll rings have been finalized for introduction in 2024.