For Formula 1, certainly a very hot topic in the last few weeks has been related to the decisions that will be taken (as soon as possible) regarding the regulation changes that will be introduced from the Belgian Grand Prix onwards and most importantly the regulation for the 2023 Formula 1 season.
While Ferrari and Red Bull have accepted the fact that the introduction of Technical Directive (TD039, which in theory is setting limits for acceptable levels of vertical oscillations to ensure the safety of the drivers), is inevitable, in view of the 2023 season, on the contrary, there are still some hesitations and some signs of dissent from most teams and insiders in the paddock.
Let’s proceed in order. As for the changes that will come concurrently with Spa, reference is made to the now hackneyed question of porpoising, an issue on which Mercedes has insisted since the start of the season. The battle led by Toto Wolff alongside his two drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will finally be completed: we remember how often they both complained about how unpleasant and difficult it was to drive their W13 in racing conditions, just as we remember Lewis Hamilton himself getting out of the car almost bent due to terrible back pain, or George Russell complaining of having to use medicines to manage the various pains that the performance inside the car entailed.
It must be said, however, that recently from the Brackley team there seemed to be no more complaints on this issue, a sign that probably the updates made on the W13 have then led to solving the issue. Which was true: just think of the last appointment before the summer break, in which they finished on the Hungaroring podium, in a partially unexpected way.
In short, although at the beginning of the season the porpoising issue seemed the only central theme (or perhaps a scapegoat) to worry drivers and teams, and despite the fact that no one has complained about it for some time now, the regulation innovations will arrive anyway. Spa will certainly be the stage for these changes, and therefore we just have to wait to understand specifically what these new rules will affect.
The downside, however, is also the fact that these changes will certainly have repercussions for the 2023 season: even if, in the opinion of some, making decisions at this moment may already be almost too late. In this case, Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto argues that having to take note of such changes that could occur at any moment, could not only be a decision that comes too late, but rather a conditioning in view of 2023.
From his point of view, an immediate ability to adapt cannot be expected, given the fact that such changes will affect a project which is already potentially well set up; moreover, having arrived at this point it would seem like taking action to solve a problem that almost does not exist anymore.
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An issue that is so close to Mattia Binotto’s heart precisely because undoubtedly the Ferrari project has never been successful as this year, with an important start to the season, despite the ups and downs, and a respectable pace and performance, as the F1-75 car proved fast on any type of track. If the FIA really intervened (and will) through the far from negligible justification of protecting the health of the drivers, the entire project they set up could be put at “risk”.
This is clearly not exclusively a Ferrari problem: it is clear that if there is anyone else who has to lose in this story, it is also Red Bull, with both teams risking to lose their advantage in terms of speed next year. team, because as the leaders of both rankings it is assumed that they intend to do an encore again next year. So what applies to one would also apply to the other.
“Unfortunately” the intervention of the FIA will come inexorably: it will be necessary to take note of it and see how each team will be able to adapt, trying not to lose the strengths it has been able to build so far.
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