The push to revamp F1’s rules is 2017 seems to have been brought to the fore once again after a meeting between the F1 commission and the FIA
The new rules are touting wider, faster cars with increased down force and also a revamped qualifying format which will see more cars on track throughout the session.
The changes to the cars are detailed in the table below:
| 2017 | |
| Weight | 722kg |
| Bodywork | 1600mm max allowable width |
| Suspension | 2000mm track |
| Front Wing | 1800mm span |
| Rear Wing | 950mm wide, 800mm high. Swept endplate |
| Floor | • 1600mm max allowable width, 1400mm minimum width • Reference plane 430mm behind front axle • 175mm high, 1050mm wide diffuser • Cut-out plank to save weight |
| Tyres | Front: 305mm wide. Rear: 405mm wide |
The new qualifying format features an elimination style shootout between the cars on track. The three qualifying sessions will remain. The only difference is that the slowest driver in each session will be eliminated every 90 seconds. This format has the potential to yield some surprising results and will mix the grid up a bit come race day.
Read about the new qualifying format here
The other big talking point was the introduction of head protection for the drivers. The current preferred option by the FIA is the “Halo” concept. The FIA say that while the Halo is preferred they are exploring other options which will continue to be evaluated.
