In the world of motorsports, the Formula One racing competition is one of the most anticipated motor race events. Each year, the enthusiasm peaks and the participants present their new F1 cars according to the new rules introduced by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to make the event more competitive than the last year. The 2023 F1 season is no different.
FIA has announced some changes to make the 2023 F1 Grand Prix safer and more competitive than ever. But what are these design and rules changes? Here’s an in-depth analysis of the 2023 F1 rule changes.
What Are the New F1 Rules for 2023?
Most 2023 F1 Grand Prix rules have remained the same with a few amendments. FIA made these technical and sporting amendments as the competition is all set to start in March 2023.
Let’s take a rundown on the 2023 F1 rule changes and how it has improved the F1 car design.
Ride Height and Diffusers
The F1 cars were affected by the porpoising due to the new design changes in 2022. Porpoising means under-floor aero stalls or cars pushed away from the ground. The 2022 F1 car featured an aerodynamic design and caused porpoising effects during races.
With flexibility and monitoring measures in the second half of the 2022 Grand Prix, FIA has outlined a few 2023 F1 design rule changes.
These design improvements include the following:
- Floor edges raised by 15 millimetres
- Diffuser throat height increased
- The stiffness of the diffuser edge increased
- A new sensor will monitor the porpoising out-turns
Rounded top Roll Hoop
The roll hoop is F1 safety equipment that protects the drivers’ in case of an accident. FIA has focused on the drivers’ safety after a frightening crash at the 2022 British Grand Prix. That said, the new 2023 F1 rule change makes a rounded top on the roll hoop mandatory. It will reduce the chances of cars digging into the ground in an accident.
Moreover, it will ensure a minimum height for the homologation test. This new homologation test will press the roll hoop forward by applying loads.
Reduced Minimum Weight
When comparing 2021 vs 2022 F1 cars, the minimum weight was 798 kg (without fuel) in 2022. It was one of the most prominent changes in motorsports history. In 2023 F1 rule changes, FIA has announced a 2 kg reduction making the minimum weight 796 kg.
It will be a new challenge to the F1 teams and designers since they will try to shave off more weight by sticking to the new rules.
Improved Driver Visibility
Since the drivers’ visibility was affected in the 2022 season, the F1 Grand Prix rule change in 2023 will ensure dimension changes in the rear-view mirror. Speaking of that, the rear-view mirror’s width will increase from 50 mm to 200 mm.
Changes around Gearbox
Previously, FIA permitted tweaks around gearboxes to address reliability issues or save costs. However, F1 rule changes now allow the teams to make changes around gearboxes when materials, processes and proprietary parts are unavailable.
Moreover, teams must provide clear documentation stating the gearbox changes. FIA ensures that none of the changes gives a performance advantage to the team and circulates a notice to the other participating teams.
Flexibility to Cool Fuel
Small changes in the technical aspects of the F1 car can have a significant impact. According to the F1 rule changes in 2023, the fuel in the Formula One car must be up to 10℃ colder than the ambient temperature. Previously, FIA allowed fuel in the F1 car at around 20℃ when it takes a run from the designated garage area.
Sprint Events Doubled
To make the racing competition more exciting, FIA introduced a new rule to the Grand Prix 2023. That said, it doubled the Sprint events on the following venues:
- Azerbaijan (Baku)
- Austria (Red Bull Ring)
- Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
- Qatar (Lusail)
- the United States (Circuit of The Americas)
- Sao Paulo (Interlagos)
Plus, the allowance will be a fixed amount. The forfeit allowance of the Sprint session will also double to $300k.
Paddock Working Hours
According to the Formula One glossary, Paddock refers to the area designated for teams where only members, drivers, officials and media houses can enter. The 2023 F1 rule change will reduce the working hours of the entire staff.
Qualifying Format and DRS Trials
According to the updated rules and regulations, FIA has introduced a revised qualifying format (RQF). It will allow the evaluation of the reasons if the revisions for subsequent championships are possible.
Additionally, the tyre compound will be mandated for each stage:
- Hard tyres for Q1
- Medium tyres for Q2
- Soft tyres for Q3
A driver can only use 11 sets of dry-weather tyres, four sets of intermediate and three sets of wet-weather tyre type.
That wraps up the complete analysis of the 2023 F1 rule changes. Since the motorsports competition marks its start in Bahrain in March 2023, the design and technical rule updates will make the event more competitive and safer. Nonetheless, the rule changes in different types of car racing competitions ensure a challenging and entertaining motorsport event.
Besides, if you are interested in motorsports, you can browse through sporty used cars in the UAE. While driving above speed limits on normal roads can lead to traffic fines, you can enjoy your run at Yas Marina Circuit with your speedy ride.
Stay tuned to the dubizzle cars blog to understand the latest motorsport events and the implemented rules.
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