Formula One, Formula One Management (FOM), team representatives, and engine manufacturers have approved several changes that will be introduced from the Miami Grand Prix. These adjustments are aimed at addressing shortcomings in the new regulations.
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| Photo by Gabriele Lanzo / Alessio Morgese |
All changes can be divided into several categories:
Qualifying
Teams have approved adjustments to energy management, including a reduction in the maximum amount of recovered energy per lap from 8 MJ to 7 MJ. This change means that drivers will not need to slow down as much at the end of straights, as they are no longer required to harvest as much energy.
Another change is an increase in maximum recovery power. Until now, teams could use 250 kW for battery charging; from now on, this will increase to 350 kW — the maximum output of the MGU-K. This change will also apply during the race.
Race
During the race, a new maximum power limit for “boost” will be introduced, set at 150 kW. This should reduce the speed difference between a driver in harvesting mode and one using full boost.
There will also be a reduction in MGU-K power to 250 kW under normal conditions. The full 350 kW will only be available in “key acceleration zones,” from corner exit to braking zones, including overtaking zones.
Race starts
The FIA has developed a new system designed to detect slow-starting cars. If a car is identified as starting slower than others, the system will automatically deploy the MGU-K to achieve maximum acceleration.
When the MGU-K is deployed in this scenario, side lights will flash to warn other drivers.
The goal is to avoid unsafe situations where a slow-starting driver could endanger others.
Additionally, there will be a small change to the recovered energy counter — it will reset at the end of the formation lap.
Safety in wet conditions
The changes are not limited to the power unit. Another adjustment is an increase in tyre temperature for intermediate tyres, which should provide better grip when leaving the pit lane.
In wet conditions, there will also be a reduction in maximum ERS power. The aim is to reduce peak torque and improve car stability.
All these changes still need to be formally approved by the World Motor Sport Council, which is expected to review them ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.