A meeting between the F1 Strategy Group and F1 Commission was held on Tuesday in Paris to discuss various talking points about the sport of Formula One and the regulations for the 2018 season. So, what were the main talking points and changes that we can expect to see in the sport?
There may be some tweaks in store for the team liveries, as the group aims to improve the driver identification for fans. Formula One cars don’t have particularly big numbers painting on the car compared to other motorsport. Teams were told during the meeting that FIA will be enforcing regulations designed to improve the clarity of driver numbers and names. The regulations will be enforced from the Spanish Grand Prix onward.
There will also be a change to the way that the strategy group meetings are organized. Teams that are not members in the F1 Strategy Group will still be able to send a representative to the meeting. This gives access to the discussions and improves the transparency within the sport.
As for the changes to the 2018 regulations, there are quite a few. T-wings and shark fins will be phased out, as the teams agreed to change the regulation boxes near the engine cover, which will greatly limit the use of these aerodynamic practices. In addition, the FIA will start measuring oil consumption to ensure that the teams aren’t fueling the cars with oil. The teams will also only be allowed to use one type of oil per Grand Prix. And if there is a red flag stoppages during a race, it has been decided that the cars will restart the race from a standing start, rather than a safety car period.
Perhaps the most notable decision for the 2018 season is that the FIA have decided to ditch the Halo head protection concept. Instead the sport will be using the Shield concept, originally introduced at the Chinese Grand Prix. The concept is a clear screen, limiting the impact on driver visibility, while also preserving the aesthetics of the cars.
Introduction for the head protection system is still on track for the 2018 season, with the FIA planning to conduct many more track tests with the new Shield concept.
