Onthe face of it, today's Formula 1 Commission meeting, which gotunderway at 11:00 in London, is unremarkable save for the factthat it marks another return to 'normality' for F1: the meetingfeatures an in-person gathering of the great and good bosses of thesport, rather than being convened by teleconference. Crucially,though, the agenda includes current and future discussion points,with freight costs and potential disruptions dominating proceedings. Fuel prices increases, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a recoveringeconomy after the disruptions caused by Covid have played havoc withsupply lines, with F1 being particularly vulnerable due to its smallvolumes in global terms, one-way routings and tight deadlines. Costincreases have impacted on the budget cap, with various team bossescalling for either blanket revisions to the current $140 million dollar restrictionor suitable inflationary allowances. Either way, the decision iscrucial for the major teams, who are already on the limit.
More Sprints on the cards?
Afterthe success of the last Sprint race in Imola, F1 bosses are expectedto push their team peers to accept a doubling to six such events in2023. As always, though, the sticking point will be the costs ofthese events, with teams demanding additional allowances. F1's Managing Director, Ross Brawn, said after the Imola edition: "I think we can see the success, and I think we didn't know quite where we were last year with the old cars. I think [the teams] can see the way this is feeding into the new cars and the philosophy of new cars. "I'm optimistic that they'll see the value in it and what we're giving the fans. "I think one thing you should always remember about the Sprint is that it gives you a great Friday as well. We have qualifying on Friday, we have three days of action for the fans, and we can't ignore that."
New engine regs, and what about VW?
Alsoup for discussion are various rule clarifications in the wake of thesweeping changes introduced by F1's adoption of its 'new era'regulations this year. Depending on their nature these could beintroduced immediately with team approval or for safety reasons, orheld over for 2023. Accordingto Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto, the 2026-onwards power unitregulations are listed for further debate, although the basicframework was agreed in December. The Swiss-Italian said: "Anumber of open points remain. Theobjectiveis totry to vote… or to finalisethe regulationsby June. "Arewe close to the final regulations? Maybe not: there is still much todo – but I'm pretty sure we are getting itall together,and we have theright priorities. "It is important for us to have those regulationsdefined, as it is important for Volkswagen Group, but not only[them] because [currentmanufacturers] needto decide on what we need to develop, and what are the boundaryconditions." MercedesF1 CEO Toto Wolff told RacingNews365.com that he expects to be updated ona number of developments, including the status of VW Group's mootedentry – a final decision was recently delayed again.
Other F1 topics up for discussion
Calendar revisions after the Russian Grand Prix was cancelled are listed for discussion, with Qatar in pole position as replacement, although a second (daylight) race in Singapore is another option. Anumber of items are expected to be raised under "Any OtherBusiness", with recent demands by the Grand Prix Drivers' Association for inclusion in topics such as weekend formats, calendarsand venues and media work likely to be discussed. TheFIA and Formula 1 are expected to issue a statement after themeeting.
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