Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, have shared developments in several areas following the latest meeting of the F1 Commission. The group, comprising teams, F1 and the FIA, met in London on Tuesday for round-table discussions about a number of issues. Following the talks, chaired and opened by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a statement was released to provide an update on matters.
Sprint races set to be doubled to six
As previously reported by RacingNews365.com , the doubling of Sprint races from three to six was discussed, with F1 and teams agreeing to proceed. "With the first of three Sprint events of the 2022 season popular with fans and stakeholders last weekend at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Formula 1 and the teams were supportive of an extension to six Sprint events for the 2023 season, running with the same format as in 2022," read the FIA statement. However, RacingNews365.com understands that the FIA have provisionally blocked the move, as touched on in the governing body's own release. "While supporting the principle of an increased number of Sprint events, the FIA is still evaluating the impact of this proposal on its trackside operations and personnel, and will provide its feedback to the Commission," the statement continued.
Further progress on F1's new engine regs
Another topic of discussion at the meeting was F1's new engine regulations, which are due to come into force in 2026. Following on from the last update in December, which centred around four pillars , further progress was shared, in tandem with planned updates to the aerodynamic rules. The FIA have set the following preliminary targets after simulation work by their own aero department: Significantly reduced drag to improve sustainability and efficiency and complement the power unit characteristics. Maintain and improve on recent lessons learned about close racing and cars being able to follow each other. Reduce car dimensions. Reduce or contain car mass. Sustainability: continue path towards the standardisation or simplification of strategically-selected components for cost-cutting purposes. Expand the usage of sustainable materials or technologies and focus on recyclability. Continued innovation in terms of car safety, moving towards active and connected safety systems.
What else was discussed and agreed on?
Meanwhile, following the trialling of the latest generation of helmet cameras over recent events, it was proposed and unanimously approved to mandate the use of these for all drivers from 2023 onwards. It was also unanimously agreed to trial a reduction in tyre allocation from 13 sets to 11 at two events in the 2023 season. The aforementioned changewill be made to evaluate the impact of a reduced allocation on track running, with the intention to move to more sustainable use of tyres in the future. Separately, RacingNews365.com understands that there will be a clampdown regarding fireproof underwear at the Miami Grand Prix, after the issue came to light in Australia . All regulatory changes remain subject to approval by the World Motor Sport Council, at the next in-person meeting (scheduled for June) or via e-vote.
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