New F1 technical regulations for the 2023 season are finalized by the FIA World Motor Sport Council alongside engine regulations for 2026.
The World Motor Sport Council published a raft of new regulations and rules around proposing issues for the upcoming season.
Proposing has been the main issue for most of the current season. The new phenomenon was born because of the newly implemented ground effect designs on the 2022 cars.
The bouncing affected Mercedes the worst and somewhat destroyed their title hopes for 2022.
On the grounds of safety, the FIA has decided to take action with a technical directive for the upcoming Belgium GP after the summer break and further changes for 2023.
F1 Changes for 2023
The major changes for the 2023 F1 technical regulations are:
- The edges of the floor will be raised by 15mm.
- Height of diffuser throat will be raised.
- Increment in the diffuser edge stiffness.
- Introduction of a new sensor for monitoring porpoising
New F1 technical regulations – Who will they impact the most?
It is hard to really judge which teams would benefit the most from these new F1 technical regulations. The floor changes in the 2021 season helped Red Bull and Alpha Tauri the most. Whereas, impacted and hindered Mercedes and Aston Martin campaigns.
The regulations are once again mainly focused on the floor. Given, the Flexi-floor drama that started mid-season, it might negatively impact red bull and Ferrari.
It was reported that six teams were against the new F1 technical regulations for the 2023 season.
However, since it is focused on safety, FIA doesn’t need the support of every team. Thus, they are going ahead with implementing the regulations.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is the most vocal person around the changes. He has already accused Mercedes of lobbying and believes F1 is bringing the changes to help Mercedes.
On the contrary, Mercedes has always stood in favor of the rules change, claiming them necessary from a safety point of view.
Budget cap affected
Another effect of the regulations will be on the budget cap. Earlier this season, the budget cap was increased citing global inflation.
The costs of freights, and transportation was difficult to bear in the previously put budget cap. So, the FIA decided to increase the budget cap for this season.
nevertheless, this sudden change and implementation of new F1 technical regulations will mean, teams, spending millions of dollars to bring the changes in their current cars for the next season.
So, FIA would probably increase the budget cap once again.
As the situation stands, Red Bull and Ferrari might be the teams worst affected by the upcoming rules changes.
Porsche, Audi has given a “go-ahead”
The 2026 season engine regulations are also finally in-place. Audi and Porsche are all set to join the sport now.
The V6 power units will remain. However, MGU-h (motor generator unit-heat) will be removed.
The electrical power will be increasing. Now, MGU-K will be capable of producing around 350kW, up from the 120KW it produced earlier.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said while talking to the media:
“The FIA continues to push forward on innovation and sustainability – across our entire motor sport portfolio – the 2026 Formula 1 Power Unit Regulations are the most high-profile example of that mission.
“The introduction of advanced PU technology along with synthetic sustainable fuels aligns with our objective of delivering benefits for road car users and meeting our objective of net zero carbon by 2030. Formula 1 is currently enjoying immense growth and we are confident these regulations will build on the excitement our 2022 changes have produced.
“I want to thank all of the FIA management and technical staff involved in this process for their diligence and commitment in working together with all of our Formula 1 stakeholders to deliver this. I also want to thank our WMSC members for their consideration and approval of these regulations.”
The fuel will be 100% carbon neutral keeping the sustainability aim of F1 in mind.
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