The next Formula 1 championship will be marked by some important updates and changes in terms of rules and regulations, despite the fact that that basic aspects of the 2022 Technical Regulations will remain the same.
Alongside several key tweaks, the floor of the new generation of single-seaters is the main area affected by the regulation changes. The goal of the FIA is the same as in the second part of the 2022 Formula 1 season namely to try and reduce the aerodynamic bouncing that has affected some teams.
Let’s take a look at the most important regulation changes for the following Formula One championship:
Floor edges get raised
After many discussions, the FIA confirmed that the outer edge of the floor in front of the rear wheels will be raised by 15 millimetres in 2023. In addition to this rule change, tests will be user to evaluate the vertical bending of the edges. Last year a deflection of 8 millimetres downwards and 12 millimetres upwards was permitted, while starting with the next season the maximum deflection will be lowered to just 5 millimetres in both directions (upwards and downwards). The purpose of this change is for teams not be able to use the lateral edges to create a physical seal with the ground.
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Additional sensors to collected data for vertical accelerations
Starting with last year’s race at the Spa Francorchamps circuit, the FIA decided to mount sensors on the cars in order to collect data about the vertical accelerations of the challengers. During the 2023 Formula 1 season, the measurements, as a result of the introduction of additional sensors, will be even more precise.
Throat diffuser gets raised
The area where the section of the diffuser narrows, where the Venturi channels flow, is known as the “throat”. The accelerating air flow in this area leads to a pressure change, increasing downforce. The governing body has therefore made the call to raise it by 10mm in order to limit the sensitivity of Formula cars 1 to variations of dynamic ride heights (meaning when the car is running).
Weight limit
The minimum weight drops this year, with the new limit decreased by two kilos. The new limit will thus be 796 kilograms, while last season the target was 798 target.
More precise tests for the roll bar and larger rear view mirrors
The crash suffered by Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu in the start of the 2022 F1 British Grand Prix determined the FIA to tighten the main roll hoop structure tests. It needs to resist to an impact of 15G and also withstand the simultaneous application of a frontally and rearwardly applied load. In the 2023 F1 campaign, the surface (cross section) of the mirrors will be increased by 50% for better rear visibility for the drivers.
Guidelines for the front wing assembly
In 2022, the Mercedes team caused a lot of stir due to bringing a front wing marked by a special shaped connection between endplates and flaps, furthermore, a version of the wing featuring profile shaped flap separators. Such designs are no longer permitted in the 2023 Formula One championship.
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