There have been no significant alterations in regulations either, so it might appear as if it’s a rather unchanging season. However, this is not actually the situation, and attentive observers have noticed numerous minor adjustments in rules and structures.
These modifications may not be noteworthy on their own, but since all the drivers have returned from the previous season, this report examines how the regulations and tweaks have impacted the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship season thus far.
The right of review is one of the privileges that Formula 1 teams possess and frequently exercise, but it often sparks controversy regarding its implementation and its impact on the race. Teams have the right to review and reconsider a decision that has already been ruled upon and made.
To do so, they must uncover a “significant and relevant new element which was unavailable to the parties seeking the review at the time of the decision concerned.” However, what has changed is the number of times teams are required to do this.
Previously, the window for making an appeal was 14 days after the decision was made, but now it has been reduced to four days or five when special circumstances arise.
Furthermore, Formula 1 teams will be obligated to pay an annual deposit that will only be refunded if they are successful or if the FIA judges deem it necessary for “fairness.” The rules also stipulate that teams must “specify the elements that are significant, relevant, and new ahead of any hearing taking place.” This ensures that not every hearing will revolve around the same issues.
Some argue that the rules are excessively stringent and place an excessive burden on teams seeking appeals. A shorter appeal period will also impact the gambling aspect.
Most Canadian-based casinos that accept cryptocurrency typically withhold payments until the dispute is resolved. By making disputes shorter and more challenging to initiate, both casinos and players may be affected.
Fines imposed on Formula 1 drivers for rule violations have been increased compared to 2023. Previously, the maximum fine a driver could pay for breaking the rules was set at €250,000 (£215,000, $270,000, depending on the location of the offense). This year, that amount has been raised to €1 million.
The fines for smaller offenses have also been increased. The FIA has stated that the penalties have remained unchanged for the past 12 years and that the increase reflects changes in the economy and society as a whole.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has commented on the change, stating, “We need to consider the message that sends to those watching. If they are going to fine a million, let’s ensure that 100% goes towards a good cause.
“There is a substantial amount of money in this industry, and there is much more we need to do in terms of promoting better accessibility and diversity. That’s the only way they will receive that million from me,” added Hamilton.
In 2024, the F1 Sprint made its highly anticipated comeback with six thrilling events. The lineup saw the exciting addition of China and Miami, while Brazil continued to host its fourth consecutive Sprint weekend. Austria also played host for the third time, while Austin and Qatar returned for their second year in the Sprint circuit.
The Formula 1 Sprint is an exhilarating 100km race to the finish line, lasting approximately 30 seconds. Unlike the traditional race format, there are no pit stops unless there is an emergency. The regulatory adjustments made to the Sprint format were minor tweaks, ensuring a seamless and exciting experience for both drivers and fans.
To accommodate the new Sprint Qualifying format, Formula 1 made the decision to move it from Saturday to Friday. This change allows for an initial free practice session to familiarize drivers with the track and make necessary adjustments to their setups. The 100km Sprint will then take place on Saturday, followed by the qualifying session for the Grand Prix later in the day. The Grand Prix itself will remain on Sunday, providing a thrilling climax to the race weekend.
As part of a testing program, teams were granted permission to utilize older Formula 1 cars. In this context, an “old car” refers to a vehicle that is two years old. Additionally, the 2021 car was also eligible for use in the 2022 season. This allowance was made due to the limited crossover information it provided. However, new regulations have been introduced to ensure that all components used in the testing program have been previously utilized in an official testing session or race weekend. This measure aims to prevent teams from exploiting the testing program to gain an unfair advantage in the current season.
In the past, pre-season events were a popular opportunity for fans to catch a glimpse of the cars before the actual race. These events allowed teams to showcase their vehicles and provided an exciting spectacle for spectators. Furthermore, teams are now permitted to use current race cars for promotional events on two occasions. These events serve as an opportunity to test the cars and create promotional videos. Specific rules and clarifications have been implemented to govern the usage of race cars for promotional purposes in the upcoming season.
Starting from 2024, teams will have the opportunity to double the distance covered during promotional events. Previously limited to a total of 100km or 20 laps of a 5km circuit, teams can now cover twice that distance in a single day. However, this change is limited to only one promotional event per day. This adjustment allows promotional teams to capture more footage while minimizing any significant impact on the car itself.
Stricter regulations regarding roll hoops have been a recurring trend since 2022. These regulations were initially introduced as a response to a serious crash during the start of a British Grand Prix. Over the years, the regulations have been further tightened, with additional changes made in 2023 and the current season. These changes encompass alterations in the overall design and the minimum height for the point of application of the homologation test. Moreover, starting in 2024, roll hoops must undergo a much more rigorous load test. Research has indicated that if these requirements had been in place in 2022, the accident could have been prevented.
Wheel covers that can be utilized to showcase information have been employed since 2022. These have sparked a controversy at the time as they impact the science of airflow. However, there was a proposal to utilize the covers to implement a rotating display that would exhibit information during the race – as opposed to being employed for promotional purposes. That alteration would also result in additional mass for the vehicle.
It was determined that it is most prudent to avoid such a modification, and the adjustment was not implemented for this season, indicating that it is unlikely to be implemented at all. The added weight would further influence the airflow dynamics and potentially compromise safety. Consequently, it was resolved that the display could be fashioned using alternative methods.
Have you observed any of the Formula 1 regulation modifications as an enthusiast? More importantly – are casual spectators capable of discerning them? Arguments can be posited that the alterations we are witnessing this season will not have a substantial impact in the long term.