F1 regulations: changes announced by the FIA

The big question during this spring break was: what would happen to the drivers in Miami (USA) when the season resumed? Formula 1From May 1st to 3rd? One thing was certain: the rules of the game would no longer be the same as in Japan at the end of March, where Bearman's violent accident had provoked a strong backlash from drivers and teams. Safety was certainly a factor, but pure driving skill was also sometimes relegated to the background compared to the importance of managing the deployment of electrical power.

All these complaints compounded the minor issues raised by various parties (starting procedures, the amount of energy expended in qualifying, etc.), which were beginning to pile up. In its misfortune at seeing its Middle Eastern Grands Prix cancelled, the FIA ​​found a silver lining: the month-long break gave everyone time to work on the details of the second set of regulations.

So, after a series of meetings, culminating in a video conference held on Monday between the FIA, FOM, the teams, and the engine manufacturers, the verdict was reached. Qualifying has been slightly revised, at least regarding energy deployment. The maximum permitted recharging power has been reduced from 8 MJ to 7 MJ, aiming to decrease superclipping time from four to two seconds per lap. Note that before qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, recharging power had already been reduced from 9 MJ to 8 MJ, which was still insufficient for drivers to complete a full lap at full throttle. This will still not be the case, but it's moving in that direction: the maximum superclipping power has also been increased to 350 kW from 250 kW to further reduce recharging time.

Enhanced security, particularly at the start

As for the race, to avoid the excessive speed differentials that led to Bearman's crash at Suzuka, the maximum Boost power is limited to 150 kW, while the MGU-K deployment remains at 350 kW in key acceleration zones (from corner exit to braking point, including overtaking zones), but will be limited to 250 kW for the rest of the lap. The aim: to limit performance deltas while still facilitating overtaking.

Finally, there was the question of departures, after Franco Colapinto narrowly avoided an accident in Australia, displaying a life-saving reflex to prevent the car Liam Lawson was seen slowing down on the grid. From now on, an automatic deployment of the MGU-K will be activated to ensure a minimum level of acceleration and reduce risks at the start, without conferring any sporting advantage. Furthermore, an associated visual warning system is being introduced, with flashing lights (rear and side) on the affected cars to warn the following drivers.

Finally, the temperatures of the intermediate tire warmers have been increased in wet conditions to improve grip and performance. To help drivers maintain control, the maximum deployment of the ERS will be reduced, and the rear light systems have been modified for greater visibility and consistency in challenging conditions. All these changes will be subject to a vote by the World Motor Sport Council and will take effect at the Miami Grand Prix, the fourth round of the championship, scheduled for May 1-3.

ALSO READ > Lambiase departure: Is Red Bull undergoing a complete metamorphosis?