F1 News, Reports and Race Results

FIA working on standard bodywork kit to reduce tyre spray

The FIA is conducting a study to define a package of parts for F1 cars that would suppress tyre spray during wet weather conditions.

Wet races this year have seen a majority of drivers complain about visibility issues, with feedback suggesting that F1's latest generation ground effect cars are throwing up much more spray than their predecessors, a "key determinant" according to the FIA in suspending sessions.

At this week's F1 Commission meeting held at Yas Marina, the governing body summarized several areas where solutions could be applied to reduce the volume of spray generated by cars.

The FIA's study is looking at defining a standard bodywork kit, like the use of wheel arches that would "suppress the tyre spray" generated when running in wet conditions.

However, the use of such minimal bodywork must not "unduly hinder" pitstop changes.

The study will also assess "the contribution of surface water picked up through the underfloor tunnels to understand its significance" to the existing tyre spray problem.

Additional benefits such as extra lights will also be considered, while it was noted that any spray suppression devices would only be fitted before a race or during red flag periods due to extreme weather conditions.

The FIA said that “preliminary work and an initial concept were presented to the Commission, and the FIA will continue to work to refine the proposals, with further updates anticipated in 2023”.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Hamilton delighted with ‘consistently strong day’ in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…

15 mins ago

Verstappen stuck with 'draggy' rear wing for Vegas

Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…

1 hour ago

Ferrari and Mercedes admit to plank changes based on FIA’s TD

Ferrari and Mercedes have both modified their car’s floor element in Las Vegas to comply…

2 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton continues on top in second practice

Lewis Hamilton put Mercedes on top of the timesheets for the second time in Las…

2 hours ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 2 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas,…

3 hours ago

Leclerc confident Ferrari ‘has a shot’ at F1 Constructors’ title

Charles Leclerc believes that Ferrari has a genuine “shot” at beating rival McLaren to Formula…

4 hours ago