Formula 1 made changes to the rules this year, causing quite a controversy. There haven’t been such significant transformations for years, and fans are competing with theories about what they actually serve and whether they were really necessary. The new rules affect not only the drivers but also the teams, their budgets, F1 bets placed by fans, and likely soon the viewership of the sport. After all, it’s worth checking what happens on the track and how seemingly minor changes can influence the race… And what do the experts and fans say?
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What has changed?
To laymen, the changes may seem insignificant. Primarily, the cars are slightly smaller, but this is a matter of 10 cm in width and 30 kg in minimum weight, so without prior notice, an observer is unlikely to notice the difference.
Safety is influenced by regulatory changes introduced from the Miami GP, which will limit the “lift-and-coast” technique, i.e., using momentum and air resistance to reduce speed. This is often used by drivers wanting to reduce fuel consumption and charge the battery.
Vehicles currently also have their electric boost power limited to 350 kW. The goal was to level the playing field and performance so that engine manufacturers focus on the most universal designs rather than competing for the highest power.
Simply put – the cars are to be smaller and more agile, allowing for more direct duels and easier close driving in corners. Drivers must change their approach, which opens opportunities for new talents who do not have old habits.
What do the professionals say?
According to the FIA (International Automobile Federation), the changes aim to improve driver safety. In modern sport, great importance is attached to this, so it is a significant argument for adopting the new rules.
Unfortunately, there are also downsides. Using the lift-and-coast technique is a very popular practice. Let’s note that F1 conditions are completely different from everyday driving with a car. Since 2010, drivers cannot refuel the car during the race, and the starting amount of fuel is also limited. Completing the race on one tank is necessary, which in turn forces attention to driving economy.
Teams therefore view the matter skeptically. A certain change in driving technique will be necessary here.
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Fans’ opinions
Fans positively received the change in car size. For them, it is a nod to the old races where vehicles were lighter and allowed for more agile, spectacular driving.
At the same time, their opinion was negatively influenced by, among other things, the recent accident of Oliver Bearman at the track in Japan – fortunately, it did not end tragically, but the wave of criticism towards the organization was justified. Contrary to what is said about improving safety, many viewers believe the situation would not have occurred if not for the speed difference between vehicles resulting from the new regulations.
Although the cars are more agile, driving has also become somewhat too technical, and the vehicles too unpredictable for some fans. They even believe that the races lose quality because of this. It is no secret that fans want drivers to play a bigger role, not the cars.
Next changes
As a result of criticism – and probably also conclusions drawn from observing the situation – Formula 1 is to introduce a regulation correction. It does not have to be about faulty assumptions of the first changes. It is natural that when making them, some time must be devoted to practical tests. Even the best plan implemented can surprise when unusual circumstances arise.
Much happens on the track. Speeds are high, and people, not machines, sit behind the wheel. It is obvious that they will need time to switch to the new mode, and in the meantime, mistakes resulting from habits of different driving may occur.
Formula 1 has drawn conclusions from the first tests of the new rules, so we hope the corrections will solve the current problems.
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