The FIA's Formula 1 Commission met in Geneva on Wednesday, with a series of significant rule adjustments and new initiatives for the future of Formula 1 taking center stage.
Chaired by Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA's head of single-seaters, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, the meeting addressed critical issues impacting drivers, race protocol, financial regulations, and inclusivity within the sport.
Here's a breakdown of the key decisions made by the Commission:
1. Introduction of Driver Cooling Kits for 2025
One of the most anticipated changes, driven by the extreme heat witnessed during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, is the introduction of driver cooling kits to be used in particularly hot conditions from 2025.
This initiative follows reports of multiple drivers suffering from heat exhaustion in Qatar, prompting the FIA and F1 teams to research cooling solutions.
Initially, discussions centered around adding air conditioning units to cars, but the Commission ultimately approved a more streamlined system that doesn't require a full AC unit.
The system will be required only under extreme heat conditions, with an adjusted minimum weight for cars in those situations. This decision represents a significant step forward in prioritizing driver safety under challenging environmental conditions.
2. New Protocol for Grid Formation
The Commission also approved a change to grid formation protocols, specifically addressing cases where cars are withdrawn before the race begins.
This issue became prominent at the Brazilian Grand Prix when Alex Albon of Williams was unable to start due to a crash in qualifying, yet his original grid position remained vacant.
Under the new protocol, the final starting grid will be established one hour before the race. If a car is withdrawn at least 75 minutes before the start, the grid will automatically close up, with all remaining drivers moving forward accordingly.
This adjustment aims to ensure that vacant slots don't disrupt the starting lineup or commitment race day organization.
3. Updates to Financial Regulations for Sustainability Initiatives
In a move reflecting F1's increasing emphasis on sustainability, the Commission approved changes to the financial regulations to allow more leeway under the cost cap for teams pursuing sustainable innovations.
The revised regulations will now include expanded exemptions for costs directly tied to environmental sustainability efforts, giving teams more flexibility to invest in green initiatives without fear of breaching the budget cap.
This decision underscores the sport's commitment to sustainable practices and encourages teams to adopt measures that can reduce their environmental impact.
4. Progress on the 2026 Technical Regulations
Another major agenda item was an update on the 2026 technical regulations, which aim to improve car performance, especially by enhancing downforce.
The Commission has been working on these regulations, which are expected to introduce substantial changes to car designs and operational standards. With continued development, the FIA anticipates having these regulations finalized for approval by the World Motor Sport Council at the close of the 2024 season.
These regulations represent F1's ongoing effort to balance competitive racing with technical innovation.
5. Reconsideration of a Post-Season Rookie Sprint Race
The Commission revisited the concept of a post-season rookie-only sprint race, an idea that was initially slated for launch this year in Abu Dhabi but was ultimately postponed.
The Commission expressed continued interest in the concept and is now targeting a rookie sprint event for 2026.
This potential addition would provide emerging drivers with invaluable track experience in a competitive format, giving fans a chance to see future stars in action while supporting F1's talent development efforts.
6. Adoption of Gender-Neutral Language in Sporting Regulations
Reflecting broader efforts to promote inclusivity, the Commission approved updates to the sporting regulations to eliminate gendered language.
Gender-neutral terminology will now replace masculine pronouns and other gender-specific references.
This follows similar updates previously made to the regulations of F2 and F3, signaling the FIA's dedication to fostering inclusivity across all levels of motorsport.
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