The F1 Commission has confirmed a series of changes which will be introduced ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season, following a meeting before the winter pre-season testing session, which is scheduled to take place this week at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Several key topics were on the agenda in London on Tuesday as major regulatory changes were evaluated alongside former Ferrari boss and current Formula 1 chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali and FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis.
Here are the key changes confirmed by the FIA:
New wet weather tyre
After several complaints regarding the performance of the extreme wet weather compound in the last few seasons, a newly revised tyre will be brought by Pirelli starting with the Imola Grand Prix. The new tyre is “much more performant” than the current specification.
The FIA also wanted to highlight the contribution of all teams in terms of helping with the wet weather package project, which was confirmed following the events that took place in the 2023 Suzuka event. The plan is to use removable wheel arches in very difficult track conditions with the goal of limiting the impact of spray and therefore improving visibility to create better racing conditions for drivers.
Team radio messages
About a decade ago, team radio messages between teams and their driver were marked by discussions replicating coaching, with clear instructions being passed on as to where time could be gained or lost as compared to opponents.
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The FIA then clamped down on such messages, as well as communication on formation laps. Now this restriction has been removed at ‘all times’ throughout the race weekend.
Sporting, technical and financial rule changes
Several small minor changes in terms of rules and regulations have been unanimously approved.
Among these there is the mention of a winter shutdown period for teams and power unit manufacturers as well as ensuring easier access for the FIA auditing team to ‘police adherence to the financial regulations’.
Following the strange moment at the end of the Japanese Grand Prix when Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the title but was confirmed as world champion 15 minutes after the race, changes to the text in the sporting regulations will make sure shorter F1 events are awarded reduced points even if not finishing under suspension.
All changes need to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council.
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