Formula 1 has moved to ease concerns over this season’s new engine regulations, approving a series of changes designed to reduce extreme energy management and improve safety. The package was agreed by the F1 Commission on Monday after meetings between technical chiefs, drivers and the FIA, and is scheduled for introduction at the Miami Grand Prix on 1-3 May, subject to FIA world council ratification.
The revisions respond to complaints that the near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power in the new power-units has diminished driver influence. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has said he is considering his future in the sport, while teams flagged the risk of large closing-speed differences when one car has full battery charge and another has none — a potential 470bhp gap.
Mercedes’ Toto Wolff backed the targeted nature of the tweaks, calling them "acting with a scalpel and not with a baseball bat". He added: "We all share the same objectives. It's how can we improve the product, make it out-and-out racing, and look at what can improve in terms of safety."
For qualifying, the FIA said the updates are "aimed at reducing excessive harvesting and encouraging more consistent flat-out driving". The per-lap recharge cap drops from 8MJ to 7MJ to lessen the need for lift-and-coast, a practice some drivers have labelled "counter-intuitive" on a flying lap. Power recovery while on full throttle without deploying the battery — known as "super-clipping" — rises from 250kW to 350kW, with the FIA targeting around two to four seconds of such use per lap.
F1 has also increased from eight to 12 the number of circuits where an even lower energy limit than 7MJ can be applied. These are tracks where energy recovery is most difficult, typically those featuring long straights and fewer corners.
Race changes focus on curbing hazardous speed deltas between cars in different deployment states. The issue was central to Haas driver Oliver Bearman’s high-speed crash at Suzuka last month, in which he suffered a right knee contusion after avoiding the Alpine of Franco Colapinto, who drifted off line to discourage a passing attempt. An FIA statement said: "These measures are designed to reduce excessive closing speeds while maintaining overtaking opportunities and overall performance characteristics."
Under the revised deployment rules, cars may use the full 350kW (470bhp) of electrical power only in acceleration zones out of corners, while the limit elsewhere on the lap will be 250kW. In areas defined as "straight-line mode" — when the front and rear wings are opened to increase speed — 350kW will still be available, but maximum deployment will not be permitted at other points. The maximum power of the "boost" mode will be capped at 150kW, or the car’s existing deployment level, if that is higher.
Wet-weather procedures are also being adjusted. Following driver feedback, tyre blanket temperatures can be increased "to improve initial grip and tyre performance in wet conditions." Maximum levels of electrical deployment will be reduced to limit torque and improve car control, with the exact limit yet to be confirmed. The package also includes a "simplification" of rear light systems.
F1 returns from an enforced five-week break at the Miami Grand Prix at the beginning of May, where most of the changes are due to debut. Attention will turn to how the measures affect flat-out qualifying runs, race safety, and closing speeds once final FIA approval is secured.
Source: bbc.com