As the 2024 Formula 1 season gears up, several rule changes promise to impact the dynamics of the racing world. Here are eight notable tweaks and updates to keep fans in the loop:
1. Review Time Periods Tightened:
The 'Right of Review' process, allowing teams to contest decisions, sees a reduction in the appeal window from 14 days to just four days, with a possible 24-hour extension under special circumstances. Teams now need to pay a deposit, refundable only if their appeal is successful.
2. Increase in Potential Fines:
Teams and drivers could face heftier fines, with the maximum amount increasing from €250,000 to €1 million, providing a more stringent deterrent against rule violations.
3. Tighter Power Unit Usage Rules:
After a more lenient 2023, the power unit usage limits revert to three for internal combustion engine, motor generator unit – heat, motor generator unit – kinetic, and turbocharger, with control electronics and energy store limits remaining at two each.
4. Bigger Promotional Events:
Teams can now cover 200km in promotional events, offering more flexibility in pre-season shakedowns and promotional filming.
5. Changes to Testing Old Cars:
The Testing of Previous Car (TPC) program now requires all components on a two-year-old car to have prior official testing or race weekend experience, preventing potential loopholes.
6. Increased CapEx Limits:
Teams can now spend more on Capital Expenditure (CapEx) over a four-year period, ensuring facilities' upgrades and promoting competitiveness, with varying limits based on team standings.
7. Even More Strict Roll Hoop Requirements:
Roll hoops must undergo a more rigorous load test, enhancing their ability to withstand impact, a response to safety concerns following Zhou Guanyu's crash in 2022.
8. Plan for Wheel Displays Dropped:
The initially proposed rotating displays within wheel covers, affecting the car's weight limit, have been deferred, leaving room for potential revisitation.
Sprint Format – Yet to be Finalised:
Discussions are ongoing regarding potential updates to the Sprint format for 2024, aiming to streamline the weekend schedule. Specific details are under consideration by the Sporting Advisory Committee.
