World Council, Formula 1, slipper, Ferrari, Ben Sulayem

The “Ferragosto revolution” is complete: as the FIA ​​president Mohammed Ben Sulayem promised last week through a series of tweets, the World Council approved the anti-hopping plan, much feared by both Ferrari and Red Bull because it could favor the return of Mercedes, still with zero victories this year after having failed the project of the ground effect cars. Compared to the original proposal there has been a correction, a compromise that concerns the edge of the bottom that will have to be raised by 1.5 cm instead of 2.5 as originally planned. Confirmed that since the resumption of the championship, on 29 August with the Belgian GP in Spa there will be a stricter control on the flexibility of the fund, which must be more rigid. From next year, a sensor will be introduced to keep this parameter under constant control. The throat of the diffuser will have to be raised compared to 2022 but, explained the FIA, a solution has been found to avoid an impact on the single-seater projects that are now at an advanced stage. “Safety is absolutely the top priority for the FIA ​​and we have devoted significant time and resources to analyzing and solving the porpoising problem. I have personally discussed the matter with all the teams and drivers, and while there are obviously some differences of opinion, it is very clear that the FIA ​​has a duty to act and ensure that drivers are not put at risk of injury due to this phenomenon. “, explained the president Ben Sulayem. The FIA ​​also stressed that the measures have been adopted, despite the fact that the phenomenon had decreased by some GPs, because it was feared that with the performance of the single-seaters it could be increased.

Rounded roll hoop

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The frightening accident of which the Chinese Zhou was the victim, albeit fortunately without consequences, at the start of the British GP prompted the FIA ​​to take measures to also modify the roll hoop. The investigation, opened immediately after Silverstone, showed for example that the pointed upper part of the roll-hoop “dug” the asphalt, which caused it to break. It was also understood that the current regulation allows teams to validate their roll-hoops through tests that allow them to “use” forces acting at a lower point than expected. Consequently, from next year the roll hoops will have to have a more rounded tip while a minimum height will be introduced in the regulation for the point of application of the homologation test. Finally, a new physical homologation test will be created in which the load pushes the roll-hoop forward and new calculation tests will be defined. The medium-term goal, for 2024, is to review the tests in order to make them more stringent.

Engines 2026

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The other important agreement concerns the engines that will be used from 2026. The first step is the introduction, starting from January 1, 2023, of the cost cap, set at 95 million dollars (93 euros at the current exchange rate) for the period 2022. -25 which will rise to 130 (current 127 million euros) starting from 2026 with the usual exceptions as is the case for the chassis (inflation, taxes, security, customer service, marketing; ed). The 2026 engines will remain 1600 six-cylinder engines but, as had already been decided, the MGU-H will be abolished, as will the variable height horns, while the standardization of some components will be extended (such as the injectors and sensors of the temperatures), the measurements of key elements such as the pistons, the crankshaft, the cylinder head, the valves, the position of the injectors and the turbine will also be defined. The fuel flow will be reduced to limit the power of the thermal engine to 400 kilowatts while the ERS (the energy recovery system) will be upgraded to 350 kilowatts. Legislation regarding the position of key elements will be more restrictive. For 2026 alone, it was decided to increase the heat engine, turbo and exhausts from three to four units per season and from two to three batteries and MGU-K. A limitation of bench tests has also been defined, always with a view to containing costs. “The FIA ​​continues to pursue innovation and sustainability – added the president – the 2026 engine regulations are the most important example of that mission. The introduction of advanced technology together with sustainable synthetic fuels is in line with our goal to benefit road car users and reach our zero carbon goal by 2030 “.