This year’s third meeting of the Formula 1 Commission has been convened today before the 2022 FIA Austrian Grand Prix of the FIA. The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, welcomed the members of the Commission and began the meeting by reflecting on the first half of the 2022 season and, more recently, an incredible British Grand Prix that not only delighted fans but also once again showed the remarkable advances in safety made by the FIA and the FIA. Formula 1.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “We are now in the middle of a historic year for Formula 1, with the introduction of completely new regulations that we have so far seen as a great success, which is “We have shown more clearly at Silverstone, where many cars fought for the top positions until the end of the race. We will continue to develop this regulation in this positive direction, and we will also continue to raise the bar in terms of safety.”
Below is an overview of the key points of discussion and decisions.
Financial regulation
Inflation rates that have risen rapidly since the end of 2021 have affected Formula 1 teams, and the FIA and Formula 1 believe this creates a risk of non-compliance with the Financial Regulation if no action is taken.
After consulting with the Financial Advisory Committee over the past few weeks, the FIA submitted a proposal to the Commission which was approved by the required majority with the support of the FIA, Formula 1 and nine of the teams.
The proposal recognizes the unexpected increase in equipment costs in 2022, thus allowing indexation to a limited index of 3.1% (which takes into account the original 3% inflation threshold already set in the regulations) and allowing the composition of this rate from 2023. This will preserve the long-term integrity of the Financial Regulation.
Preseason tests in 2023
The Commission has decided by a majority to update the regulations to allow pre-season tests to be held outside Europe, four days before the first test of the Championship.
Adaptation of the weekend schedule
One of the main purposes of the 2022 event format has been to allow the later arrival of some staff, thus reducing the workload of operational staff. To a large extent, it has been a success, and after the first half of the season several areas for improvement have been identified, specifically in relation to the closed park schedules after the classification.
Technical issues
There was a discussion about the draft Technical Directive that addresses safety issues related to the vertical oscillation of cars (also called porpoise). After feedback and consultation with the teams and in order to allow the teams to make the necessary upgrades to the boards and skates assemblies, which will ensure a fair application of the metrics used to measure this oscillation in all cars, the draft Technical Directive was implemented. issued to teams before the British Grand Prix will take effect from the Belgian Grand Prix.
Improved FIA controls introduced from the Canadian Grand Prix will continue.
Several proposed actions to address this issue were also discussed in the 2023 Technical Regulation, with clear indications to be brought to the Technical Advisory Committee.
Power unit 2026
The Commission discussed the 2026 power unit and it was confirmed that the package of regulations is about to end.
Please note that all regulatory changes are subject to approval by the World Motor Sport Council.