Formula 1 cars could be fitted with wheel arches to reduce spray, as part of a project to improve visibility in wet races.
Drivers have complained that this year’s ground-effect cars with larger 18in wheels create more spray than previously, severely limiting their view of the track ahead and causing races to be delayed or suspended.
A study by racing’s governing body, the FIA, is looking at ways of reducing the effect and has already developed a prototype “minimal” wheel arch. It would be fitted to all F1 cars in “extremely wet” conditions. The standardised devices would be installed either before a race or during a red flag and are likely to cover the front and rear wheels.
It has also examined whether additional lights should be fitted to cars to improve visibility.
Visibility is worse with the new generation of F1 cars, say drivers
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Officials are also investigating whether the new cars’ underfloor tunnels, which generate ground effect, contribute to the increased spray by picking up surface water.
The championship has been hesitant to run in full wet conditions this season, with the Monaco, Singapore and Japanese Grands Prix being delayed due to concerns over spray and the displacement capacity of the Pirelli rain tyres.
“Driver feedback has suggested that there has been reduced visibility in extremely wet conditions with this latest generation of cars, which is a key determinant on starting, or needing to suspend sessions,” said the FIA in a statement. “Therefore, the FIA commenced a study to define a package of parts aiming to suppress the spray generated when running in wet conditions.”
An initial concept was shown to the F1 Commission, made up of officials from the FIA and F1, as well as the teams. It is due to be further updated in 2023.
Also on the agenda at the F1 Commission meeting was a review of current sporting regulations ahead of the 2024 season. Drivers have criticised the way that the penalty points system imposes a similar punishment for not respecting track limits as it does for dangerous driving that carries a safety risk.
F1 drivers have said they're discussing changes to the current penalty points system with the FIA in light of Pierre Gasly's potential ban
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Pierre Gasly – currently on 10 penalty points – could be banned for a race next year if his total increases to 12.
In addition, members discussed stronger punishments for teams who exceed their engine allowance during a season. Teams are able to take tactical penalties, changing engines when it suits them at particular tracks, which the governing body is hoping to discourage.
“It was agreed that the current system is not a strong enough deterrent to teams to make strategic power unit (PU) changes, and encourages the change of change of more elements than needed once a driver has accumulated more than a certain level of penalty,” said the FIA. “This ultimately causes higher parts costs and undermines the PU element annual restrictions.”
Also under review is allowing DRS use after one lap following a start or restart instead of two as well as an increase in the budget cap for sprint race crash damage and whether to delay the banning of tyre blankets from 2024.
