The technical regulations of Formula 1 are constantly being revised because the FIA is forced to introduce modifications for safety reasons.
This usually happens when there is a big regulatory change, like this season, which usually leads to modifications throughout the course and, more importantly, adjustments that will take effect for the following season and beyond.
The main changes for 2023 have focused on the floor of the cars, due to the rebounds that all the single-seaters have suffered to a greater or lesser extent, although some teams believe that these modifications are not justified.
Due to this and following a negotiation between the governing body and the 10 teams on the grid, the FIA has had to soften its objective of changes compared to its main ideas.
Initially, the agency wanted the outside of the floor to be raised by about 25mm and for more stringent load tests to be applied so that the floor does not flex more than it should, something that would reduce the ability of teams to approach the edge of the ground to the track surface and thus gain aerodynamic performance.
But after a compromise agreement, the regulations have been changed with a minor increase of just 15mm in height at the outer edge of the floor by 2023, with vertical deflection not exceeding 5mm when a load of 250N is applied. in the downward direction and not more than 5 mm vertically when a load of 250 N is applied in the upward direction.
For 2022, these values are 8 mm and 12 mm respectively, so the teams will have to increase the stiffness of their floors to successfully pass the required tests.
Changes have also been made to the geometry of the ground edge to fix any loose ends that the governing body deems.
In a related move, the FIA has also reduced the number of holes needed to measure legality from six to four, with two new holes placed in the center section deemed very important.
What are the changes to the F1 2023 front wing?
The FIA has also made changes to the front wing, with measures to further restrict the design of the flap and endplate junction, virtually ruling out the complex design introduced by Mercedes at the Canadian Grand Prix (above).
However, teams will have a little more freedom in terms of adjustments, as flaps can currently only have 35mm of adjustment, with the FIA moving it up to 40mm from 2023.
In addition, the filter radius between elements and supports that can be used has been increased from 2mm to 4mm, a change that is also shared by the rear wing.
Since we are talking about the rear of the car, it should be noted that there is a change in the height of the rear wing mounts, as they will have to be mounted 60mm higher than in 2022.
And, in this sense, we have two other changes, since the mounting bolts between the power unit, the chassis and the transmission will require a tensile strength of more than 100kn from next season.
What are the changes to the 2023 F1 roll cage?
Given the magnitude of the Guanyu Zhou accident at the British Grand Prix, the continuing quest to increase safety has also led to a number of changes being made to the roll cage design to increase the loads it must withstand.
This new regulation will probably force some teams to redesign the structure of the arch to 935mm above the reference plane, while any piece built above it must be able to withstand a 15g impact with the ground and be made of a material abrasion resistant.
In addition, the roll bar must be able to withstand the forces applied to the front, as well as the forces to the rear that it previously had to withstand.
What other novelties does the F1 2023 regulation present?
The footage captured by the “visor camera” has been met with praise and is destined to become a staple for future broadcasts. The FIA has increased the number of positions this camera has from six to seven, including one that will be installed forwards on the driver’s helmet (to the right of Felipe Massa’s image above).
As for the weight of the car, it will be reduced a little, as the initial minimum mass of 796 kg prior to 2022 is restored. However, the minimum weight of the power unit has also increased, as some of the pipes will be included. now on your perimeter.
To avoid a situation similar to what we have seen this season, where the fuel was considered too cold, the regulations have been changed to accommodate a lower temperature threshold.
The rule now says: “The fuel in a car must not be colder than: 10º C below ambient temperature, or 10º C (previously 20), at any time after the car has left the pits” .
The fuel density check will also reduce the tolerance between the fuel used and the figure extracted during the pre-homologation analysis from 0.25% to 0.15%, further limiting any chance of gaining performance.
In addition, all fuel tanks must have a pressure valve to prevent overpressurization, while the maximum internal pressure exerted must not exceed 1.0 barG.
Changes have also been made to the rules relating to the exhaust and wastegate, with a new clause added for 2023 that states: “Any exhaust pipe through which all fluids exiting the exhaust valve pass must have an internal cross-section less than 1500 mm2, and all external surfaces must have a minimal aerodynamic effect on the outside air flow”.
Changes have also been made to the regulations that will allow teams to add debris protection fences to the rear brake line intakes, in an attempt to reduce potential breakdowns.
