SHANGHAI, CHINA – APRIL 21: Max Verstappen, from the Netherlands, driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20, leads the pack into turn one at the start of the Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 21, 2024 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
There have been no significant changes in the regulations, which may make it seem like a rather stable season. However, that is not really the case, and keen observers have noticed several minor changes in the rules and structures.
These modifications may not be noticeable on their own, but as all drivers have returned from the previous season, this report looks at how the regulations and adjustments have impacted the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship season so far.
The right to review is one of the privileges that Formula 1 teams possess and often exercise, but it often generates controversies regarding its implementation and its impact on the race. Teams have the right to review and reconsider a decision that has already been judged and made.
To do this, they must find a “new, significant, and relevant element that was not available to the parties seeking the review at the time of the decision in question.” However, what has changed is the number of times teams are required to do this.
Previously, the deadline for appealing was 14 days after the decision was made, but it has now been reduced to four days or five when special circumstances arise.
Furthermore, Formula 1 teams will be required to pay an annual deposit that will only be refunded if they are successful or if the FIA judges deem it necessary for “fairness”. The rules also stipulate that teams must “specify the elements that are significant, relevant, and new before any hearing takes place”. This ensures that not all hearings will revolve around the same issues.
Some argue that the rules are overly strict and impose an excessive burden on teams seeking appeals. A shorter appeal period will also affect the aspect of the game.
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Fines imposed on Formula 1 drivers for rule violations have been increased compared to 2023. Previously, the maximum fine a driver could pay for breaking the rules was €250,000 (£215,000, $270,000, depending on the location of the infraction). This year, that amount has been increased to €1 million.
Fines for minor infractions have also been increased. The FIA stated that penalties have remained unchanged for the past 12 years and that the increase reflects changes in the economy and society as a whole.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton commented on the change, stating: “We need to consider the message this sends to those who are watching. If they are going to fine a million, let’s ensure 100% goes to a good cause.
“There is a substantial amount of money in this industry, and there is much more we need to do in terms of promoting better accessibility and diversity. That is the only way they will get that million from me,” Hamilton added.
In 2024, F1 Sprint made its eagerly awaited return with six thrilling events. The schedule saw the exciting addition of China and Miami, while Brazil continued to host its fourth consecutive Sprint weekend. Austria also hosted for the third time, while Austin and Qatar returned for their second year on the Sprint circuit.
The Formula 1 Sprint is an exhilarating 100km race to the finish line, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Unlike the traditional race format, there are no pit stops unless there is an emergency. The regulatory adjustments made to the Sprint format were minor tweaks, ensuring a seamless and thrilling experience for both drivers and fans.
To accommodate the new Sprint Qualifying format, Formula 1 decided to move it from Saturday to Friday. This change allows for an initial free practice session to familiarize drivers with the track and make necessary adjustments to their settings. The 100km Sprint will then take place on Saturday, followed by the qualifying session for the Grand Prix later in the day. The Grand Prix itself will continue on Sunday, providing an exciting climax to the race weekend.
As part of a testing program, teams were granted permission to use old Formula 1 cars. In this context, an “old car” refers to a vehicle that is two years old. Additionally, the 2021 car was also eligible for use in the 2022 season. This permission was granted due to the limited crossover information it provided. However, new regulations were introduced to ensure that all components used in the testing program had been previously used in an official testing session or race weekend. This measure aims to prevent teams from exploiting the testing program to gain an unfair advantage in the current season.
In the past, pre-season events were a popular opportunity for fans to get a glimpse of the cars before the actual race. These events allowed teams to showcase their vehicles and provided an exciting spectacle for spectators. Furthermore, teams are now allowed to use current race cars in promotional events on two occasions. These events serve as an opportunity to test the cars and create promotional videos. Specific rules and clarifications have been implemented to govern the use of race cars for promotional purposes in the upcoming season.
Starting in 2024, teams will have the opportunity to double the distance covered during promotional events. Previously limited to a total of 100km or 20 laps on a 5km circuit, teams can now cover twice that distance in a single day. However, this change is limited to only one promotional event per day. This alteration allows promotional teams to capture more footage while minimizing any significant impact on the car itself.
Stricter regulations regarding safety barriers have been a recurring trend since 2022. These regulations were initially introduced in response to a serious accident during the start of a Grand Prix in Great Britain. Over the years, the regulations have become even tighter, with additional changes made in 2023 and the current season. These changes include alterations to the overall design and the minimum height for the point of application of the homologation test. Furthermore, starting in 2024, safety barriers must undergo a much more rigorous load test. Research has indicated that if these requirements had been in place in 2022, the accident could have been avoided.
Wheel covers that can be used to display information have been employed since 2022. This sparked controversy at the time, as it affects the science of airflow. However, there was a proposal to use the covers to implement a rotating display that would show information during the race – instead of being used for promotional purposes. This change would also result in additional mass for the vehicle.
It was determined that it is more prudent to avoid this modification, and the adjustment was not implemented for this season, indicating it is unlikely to be implemented. The additional weight would also impact airflow dynamics and potentially compromise safety. Consequently, it was decided that the display could be made using alternative methods.
Have you noticed any of the modifications in Formula 1 regulations as an enthusiast? More importantly, are casual viewers able to discern these changes? Arguments can be made that the changes we are witnessing this season will not have a substantial long-term impact.
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The Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen suffered a terrifying accident during Sunday’s race at the Brazil Grand Prix. The crash occurred on lap 44, when Verstappen lost control of his car and collided violently with the safety barrier. Fortunately, the driver emerged unscathed from the accident, but his car was completely destroyed.
The accident was caused by a mechanical failure in Verstappen’s car, which led to the loss of control. The mechanics of the Red Bull Racing team are investigating the cause of the problem and working to ensure that it does not happen again in the future.
Verstappen was leading the race at the time of the accident and seemed to be on his way to a dominant victory. His withdrawal from the race opened up space for other drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, who ultimately won the race.
Despite the accident, Verstappen remains optimistic and is already focused on the next race. He thanked all the fans for their support and promised to come back stronger than ever.
Verstappen’s accident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with Formula 1 and the importance of proper safety measures. The FIA is constantly working to improve the safety of the cars and ensure the protection of the drivers.
The next Formula 1 race will take place next weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It will be interesting to see how Verstappen recovers from the accident and if he will be able to compete at the highest level again. Fans will certainly be rooting for him.
