Formula One teams and stakeholders have unanimously agreed to engine rule tweaks designed to improve racing and driver safety, starting with the next race in Miami on May 3.
This season introduced a new era with hybrid power units split between electric and combustion power. Drivers have raised concerns about needing to 'lift and coast' to recharge batteries and about safety issues related to speed differentials during races. Issues like 'super-clipping,' where the car slows automatically to divert energy, have also been a point of contention.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced that an online meeting resulted in agreement on "refinements" to be put to a virtual vote. These changes will be implemented from Miami, with race start modifications to be tested there first.
For qualifying, energy management parameters will be adjusted, reducing the maximum permitted recharge to seven megajoules from eight. Peak 'superclip' power will increase from 250kW to 350kW to shorten recharging times, encouraging more consistent flat-out driving.
During races, measures will cap additional boost power at 150kW to reduce excessive closing speeds and performance differentials. New systems will be trialled to mitigate risks for slow-starting cars and improve safety and visibility in wet conditions.