Categories: 2017 SeasonF1 News, Reports and Race Results

Final regulations, cockpit protection delayed

©Mercedes

The finalisation of the 2017 sporting and technical regulations - as well as cockpit protection - has been delayed until the end of April.

New aerodynamics regulations have been approved by the F1 Commission which will see wider and faster cars next season. However, with the agreement coming only a few days before the deadline to finalise all of next season's regulations, it was agreed to move the date back. Theoretically, the aerodynamic regulations could be revisited or opposed before the new deadline.

"Following the recommendation of the Strategy Group, the F1 Commission agreed to postpone the deadline for the finalisation of 2017 Sporting and Technical Regulations until 30 April, 2016 – to allow all stakeholders the best opportunity to complete all relevant work," the FIA confirmed.

Similarly the FIA wants more time to prepare for the implementation of cockpit protection, though it was agreed the target date remains next season.

"The F1 Commission confirmed the intention of introducing some form of cockpit protection from the 2017 season. All stakeholders are working together to make this a reality, with the “Halo” concept currently the preferred option. Other options, such as transparent cockpit protection, will continue to be evaluated."

An April 30 deadline was also given for proposals so address a number of aspects relating to power units, including the supply cost, obligation to supply, performance convergence and the further improvement of noise.

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.