The FIA has confirmed rule changes for the current Formula One season in response to driver dissatisfaction and safety concerns. The adapted rules address energy management issues that have proved controversial across the opening three meetings this year.
Technical and sporting considerations were discussed twice since the last round in Japan, and on Monday senior representatives, including the FIA, team principals, power unit manufacturers and F1’s chief executive Stefano Domenicali, formally agreed the changes. They remain subject to ratification by the world motorsport council, a formality expected before the next round in Miami on 3 May.
There has been disquiet among many drivers at the role energy management now plays, with an almost 50-50 split between power from the combustion engine and electrical energy. Four-time champion Max Verstappen has been so unhappy that he is considering his future in F1. Safety concerns were highlighted when Oliver Bearman had an accident at Suzuka due to differing closing speeds of cars managing electrical energy.
The rule changes focus on refining the use of electrical energy. In qualifying, the recharge limit per lap has been decreased from eight megajoules to seven, allowing a lap to be run flat out without tactical energy recovery. The unpopular lift and coast process has been addressed by increasing the recharge limit from 250kW to 350kW when super clipping, so drivers no longer have to lift and coast at the end of straights. To address closing speeds, the maximum boost power has been capped at 150kW.
Additional safety protocols for race starts include warning lights for slow cars, and further technical changes around starts will be evaluated at the Miami Grand Prix. The power available through energy recovery systems will also be adjusted during wet races to ensure safe driving.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the engagement with drivers as “constructive and collaborative” and said he was pleased all parties had come to an agreement. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff noted the approach was to use a “scalpel rather than a baseball bat” to improve the product and safety.
