(Motorsport-Total.com) – The FIA announced several rule adjustments in Formula 1 on Monday, thereby reacting, at least in isolated cases, to criticism of the new regulations of the premier class. Among other things, the amount of energy that can be recuperated in qualifying will be reduced.
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In the race, boost and MGU-K power will be limited. In addition, changes to the start have been decided to prevent dangerous situations, and there are also adjustments for wet conditions. Here are all the changes announced on Monday, verbatim:
Changes in Qualifying
– Adjustments to energy management parameters, including a reduction in maximum allowed recuperation from 8 MJ to 7 MJ, aim to reduce excessive energy harvesting and promote more consistent driving at the limit. This change reduces the maximum superclip duration to approximately two to four seconds per lap.
– The peak power of the superclip will be increased to 350 kW (previously 250 kW), further reducing recharge time and decreasing driver workload in energy management. This also applies in the race.
– The number of events where alternative lower energy limits can apply has been increased from eight to twelve races to allow for better adaptation to track characteristics.
Changes in the Race
– The maximum available power from the boost in the race will now be limited to +150 kW (or to the current power level of the car upon activation, if higher) to limit sudden power differences.
– MGU-K power remains at 350 kW in key acceleration zones (from corner exit to braking point, including overtaking zones) but will be limited to 250 kW in other sections of the track.
– These measures are intended to reduce excessive closing speeds while preserving overtaking opportunities and general performance characteristics.
Changes to Starts
– A new “low-power start” detection system has been developed that can identify vehicles with unusually low acceleration shortly after clutch release.
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– In such cases, an MGU-K power output will be automatically triggered to ensure a minimum level of acceleration and reduce start-related risks, without creating a sporting advantage.
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– A corresponding visual warning system will be introduced, activating flashing lights (rear and side) on affected vehicles to warn following drivers.
– In addition, an energy counter reset has been implemented at the start of the formation lap to address a previously identified system inconsistency.
Changes in Wet Conditions
– Tire blanket temperatures for intermediate tires have been increased following driver feedback to improve initial grip and tire performance in wet conditions.
– Maximum ERS power output will be reduced, thereby limiting torque and improving vehicle control in low-grip conditions.
– Rear light systems have been simplified, with clearer and more consistent visual signals to improve visibility and reaction time for following drivers in poor conditions.
All changes must still be formally confirmed by the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC). An e-vote is scheduled to take place before the next race in Miami, so that the new rules can already be implemented there.
Only the proposals for the race start are to be tested first at the Miami Grand Prix.
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