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Formula One makes rule changes after drivers' criticism
TL;DR
Formula One has announced rule changes after drivers, including Max Verstappen, criticized new regulations affecting car performance. The adjustments aim to address concerns over the management of combustion and electrical power in the cars.
Key points
- Formula One made rule changes after driver criticism
- Max Verstappen expressed doubts about continuing in F1
- New rules required managing combustion and electrical power
Mentioned in this story
Max Verstappen
Formula One
Max Verstappen has been vocal in his criticism of the changes made to F1 cars this season (FRANCK ROBICHON)
(FRANCK ROBICHON/POOL/AFP)
Formula One chiefs unanimously agreed on Monday to make rule changes following severe criticism of new regulations introduced this season which led to doubts over Max Verstappen continuing in the sport.
The new rules made cars a combination of combustion and electrical power, meaning drivers had to carefully manage their battery, effectively slowing down on a qualifying lap, while the cars had boost buttons to allow them to overtake.
Four-time world champion Verstappen called the new style of racing "a joke" after the Chinese Grand Prix and hinted he would take a break from F1 in 2027 unless changes were made.
Other drivers had criticised the new rules and fans said the changes had detracted from the experience of spectators.
Following an online meeting between F1, its governing body FIA, and the sport's team principals, tweaks to the rules have been finalised and are set to come in for the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
That race will end the season's enforced five-week break following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Among the changes, energy harvesting -- which helps the driver charge the battery -- will be reduced from eight megajoules to seven and the hybrid power unit will be increased from 250kw to 350kw.
The changes are designed to allow the drivers to go at full speed for longer in qualifying.
Another change has been made to the boost button, after British driver Ollie Bearman's high-speed crash at the last round in Japan, which was attributed partly to the difference in closing speeds.
The boost button will now be capped at 150kw, "limiting sudden performance differentials", the FIA said in a statement.
Further talks are set to take place after the Miami Grand Prix.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff cautioned against sweeping changes to the rulebook, after his drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell made a fast start to the season. Antonelli leads Russell by nine points in the standings after the first three races.
Q&A
What specific rule changes were made in Formula One after driver criticism?
Formula One made adjustments to the new regulations that required drivers to manage both combustion and electrical power, which affected their performance during qualifying laps.
How did Max Verstappen respond to the new F1 regulations?
Max Verstappen was vocal in his criticism of the changes, expressing doubts about his future in the sport due to the impact of the new rules on car performance.
Why were the new F1 regulations causing concerns among drivers?
The new regulations forced drivers to slow down during qualifying laps to manage battery power, leading to concerns about the overall competitiveness and excitement of the races.
