F1 Commission Discusses⁢ Race Strategy,Car ​aesthetics ​& Driver​ Regulations

The F1 Commission convened recently to‍ debate a range of​ potential changes ​to ⁤the⁤ sport,from​ race strategy to⁢ car design and ​driver regulations.⁣ While no immediate decisions were finalized, important ​discussions took place across multiple fronts.

A key‌ topic was ‌the possibility of mandating two pit stops per race to encourage more strategic variation and combat ⁢the prevalence ‍of one-stop strategies.‍ After reviewing data and simulations from Pirelli and the teams, the Commission determined that no changes would be implemented presently, wiht further⁤ discussions slated for throughout the ​2026 season.This effectively rules out a mandatory two-stop rule for the upcoming season,‌ with 2027 being the earliest potential introduction.

Beyond race ⁤strategy, the Commission addressed ⁤concerns regarding car aesthetics.A new regulation is being proposed requiring teams to ‍cover at least 55% of their car’s visible‌ surface area (when viewed from the ⁢side and above) with paint or stickers, rather ⁤than leaving it⁤ as bare⁤ carbon‌ fibre. This aims to enhance visual differentiation between cars, following a trend of​ teams minimizing paintwork to save weight.

Updates to Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions⁣ (ATR) are also in advancement, ⁢focusing on aligning F1 with modern simulation technology while remaining mindful of cost control.

On the⁢ driver side, ⁤a ​proposal allowing drivers to change their permanently ⁣assigned race number during their​ careers was approved.​ This alters‍ the current system established ⁣in 2014, where‍ drivers select a number⁣ between #2 and #99 (excluding #17), with the #1 reserved for‌ the reigning World ⁤Champion.

the Commission continued ‍discussions surrounding the mandatory driver cooling system, set to be implemented in 2026, and​ already⁢ trialled in Singapore and ⁢the‌ United States ‍due to extreme heat conditions. Proposals for redesigns ⁤and⁢ potential weight increases to accommodate the⁢ system were considered, with ⁣further consultation planned with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA).

All⁤ proposed changes remain subject to formal ratification by ⁢the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) at their ⁣next meeting on December 10th.

Hamilton‌ Advised to Focus on Driving as Verstappen Dominance Continues ‌- RacingNews365 Review

Lewis ⁤Hamilton has been urged to concentrate on his performance ⁤behind the wheel rather ⁢then offering commentary on rivals’ championship prospects,as ​Max Verstappen continues to solidify his position⁣ as a dominant force in Formula 1. The ‍advice comes following Hamilton’s assessment of Verstappen’s ​chances in the upcoming ​Las Vegas Grand⁢ Prix,a statement that drew criticism from some corners of the F1 community.

This exchange underscores the intensifying pressure on‍ Hamilton and Mercedes as they strive to ‌close the gap to Red Bull ⁤and verstappen, who secured⁣ his‌ third consecutive‍ World Championship title at the ⁣Qatar Grand Prix. With only ‍three races remaining‌ – Las Vegas,Abu Dhabi,and Brazil – the battle​ for second ‌place⁣ in the Constructors’ Championship remains fiercely contested,and Hamilton’s focus will be crucial to Mercedes’ ambitions.

According to RacingNews365, the suggestion for​ Hamilton to “talk less” originated in response to his remarks about ‌Verstappen ‌potentially facing challenges in Las Vegas due⁢ to the track layout. The comments were perceived by some as attempting to undermine Verstappen’s confidence.

The ‍broader context is a season defined by Red Bull’s unprecedented success, winning 19 out of 20 races as of the ​São paulo⁢ Grand Prix.‌ This dominance has placed‌ increased⁤ scrutiny on rival teams, including Mercedes, to demonstrate betterment and challenge Red Bull’s supremacy.

Further complicating matters​ for‌ Mercedes, Oscar ‌Piastri endured⁤ another difficult weekend in Brazil, ‌while Charles ‌leclerc has challenged Ferrari to execute flawlessly in​ the final​ three races to secure ⁣second in the Constructors’ Championship. Kimi antonelli also reported damage ‍to his ‌car following ⁤a collision with Leclerc‍ during the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Ferrari Drivers ⁢Respond After ‍Chairman Calls for Focus

SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL ​- november 20, ​2023 – Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have both publicly affirmed their commitment to Ferrari ⁣following critical remarks from team ⁤chairman John Elkann. Elkann recently⁢ stated that both drivers need to “talk less” and “focus”‍ on⁤ their performance as‌ the team ​struggles through a winless Formula 1 season.

The statements come after a particularly‍ challenging Brazilian Grand Prix where neither Ferrari driver reached the finish line.Hamilton sustained damage on the ⁢opening lap following contact⁤ with Carlos Sainz,‍ and later in the⁢ race with Franco Colapinto, ultimately forcing Ferrari to retire the‌ car mid-race due to extensive damage. ⁢

On Monday evening, Hamilton took to social ​media, posting:⁢ “I‌ back my‌ team. I ⁣back myself. I will‌ not give ‍up. ‌Not ‌now, not then, not‍ ever. Thank ⁢you, Brazil, always.”

Teammate Charles Leclerc was also eliminated⁢ from the race early after being caught ⁤in an incident involving Oscar Piastri and Kimi‌ Antonelli. Leclerc emphasized the need for team cohesion as Ferrari battles for ‌second place in the Constructors’‌ championship during the‍ final‍ three races of the season.

“A very difficult weekend in São Paulo,” Leclerc stated. “Disappointing to come back home with nearly no points at all for the ​team in what is a critical moment of the⁤ season to fight for the 2nd place in⁢ the constructors’ championship. It’s uphill from now and it’s clear that only unity can help us turn that situation around in the last ​3 races. We’ll give it all, as always.”

Ferrari has⁢ yet to secure a ⁣race win ⁢this year,and the disappointing results in Brazil ​have intensified scrutiny⁤ on the team’s performance and driver contributions.