The FIA (International Automobile Federation) announced this Monday (20) a package of changes to the Formula 1 racing rules, focusing on safety adjustments, which will come into effect from the next race, in Miami, on May 3rd.
The sport had already confirmed significant changes to the chassis and engine rules, with new power units (as hybrid systems in F1 cars are called) that are divided equally between electrical energy and combustion.
There were complaints from drivers in the first three races about the need to “ease down and glide” in high-speed corners so that the combustion engine can recharge the battery. They also expressed security concerns.
Another consequence of the change was having to deal with “superclipping”, when the power unit automatically diverts energy from the engine to the battery, slowing down the car even when the driver has the accelerator at full throttle.
The FIA said in a statement that the 11 team principals, power unit CEOs and F1 had agreed, in an online meeting, to a series of “refinements” during the season that will now be put to a virtual vote.
“The proposals agreed today will be implemented from Miami, except for the changes to the start, which will be tested in Miami and adopted after feedback and analysis,” stated the note.
The FIA said energy management parameters will be adjusted for qualifying, with a reduction in the maximum allowable recharge from eight to seven megajoules, to encourage more consistent driving at the limit, and maximum “superclip” power increased from 250 kW to 350 kW, to reduce time spent recharging.
In the race, measures were introduced to reduce excessive approach speeds and limit sudden differences in performance, with an extra power gain (boost) of a maximum of 150 kW.
A new system was developed to mitigate the risks of a slow-starting car being hit by a faster one behind it, as well as measures to improve safety and visibility in wet track conditions.
