Last Updated on November 25 2023, 8:44 am

Key decisions and the future direction of Formula One were at the forefront of discussions at the final Formula One Commission meeting of the year in Abu Dhabi.  Chaired by FIA Director of Formula One Nikolas Tombazis and Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali, team principal and engine manufacturer representatives met to discuss critical aspects of the sport, including the sprint format and tyre regulations.

The Formula One Commission plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the world’s premier motorsport series. Comprising representatives from the sport’s various stakeholders, including teams, promoters, sponsors, engine suppliers and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), it is an integral part of the decision-making process that influences the rules, regulations and overall development of the sport.

 

Vegas $1bn payout demanded as law suit commences

 

 

Composition and function

The Commission is chaired by the FIA, with the current FIA President plays a leading role. Team principals from each of the competing Formula One teams are members, as well as representatives from the commercial rights holder, which since 2017 has been Liberty Media. In addition, prominent circuit promoters, sponsors and technical partners such as tyre suppliers are included to ensure that a holistic view of the sport’s ecosystem is considered in every decision.

 

Impact on the future of Formula One

The outcomes of the Formula One Commission meetings have far-reaching implications for the future of the sport. For example, decisions on car design, race formats and cost caps can have a significant impact on the competitive balance between teams and the overall spectacle for fans. The Commission’s role in approving changes to the sporting and technical regulations ensures that the sport continues to evolve to meet new challenges, be they related to safety, sustainability or entertainment value.

Recent meetings have dealt with issues such as the sprint race format, which was introduced to add a competitive element to certain Grand Prix weekends. The Commission’s deliberations on the impact of this new format on the sport are crucial to its possible introduction at more races in future seasons.

 

Regulatory changes and safety

Another critical area of the Commission’s remit is safety. Following serious incidents or accidents, the Commission looks at what can be changed to improve driver safety. These discussions can lead to changes in car designs, track layouts or even racing rules to reduce the likelihood of future accidents.

 

Comedy series planned with Gunther Steiner

 

Technological innovation and sustainability

As the automotive industry moves towards sustainability, the Formula One Commission is also charged with steering the sport’s environmental strategy. They play a vital role in setting the direction for hybrid engine development, the introduction of sustainable fuels and other green initiatives that will define the future face of Formula One.

 

 

Helmut Marko reveals Lewis Hamilton’s one condition for joining Red Bull

 

 

Huge changes discussed at Abu Dhabi:

Sprint races

Ahead of the first free practice session at Abu Dhabi, the Commission tackled the issue of the sprint format. The consensus was to make a clearer distinction between the Sprint and Grand Prix segments.

The specific weekends that will feature the sprint format next season will be announced shortly. In addition, at the first Commission meeting next year, the Sports Council will propose revisions to the timing and parc fermé regulations.

 

Horner sympathises with Hamilton winless streak

 

Tyres & spray covers

Another important issue was the reduction of spray on the track. A comprehensive test is planned for the spring of 2024 to evaluate the effectiveness of near-complete tyre covers in mitigating this problem.

Important agreements were also reached on tyre development. The focus is now on preventing overheating and increasing tyre life. As a result, it was decided to extend the use of heated tyres until 2025. In addition, after experimenting with a reduced allocation of 11 sets of slick tyres over two race weekends this year, it was decided that drivers will continue to receive 13 sets of dry-weather tyres per weekend.

 

Driver conditions during racing

Recognising the physical challenges faced by the drivers, particularly during the Qatar race when many struggled with the heat, the Commission agreed to amend the technical regulations. This change will allow teams to develop better solutions for cooling drivers in extreme weather conditions. Further analysis will explore the potential options for these changes.

READ MORE: F2 driver set to replace Sargeant at Williams

 

 

 

MORE F1 NEWS: Toto Wolff accuses Christian Horner of lying

The bitterness that developed between Mercedes Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Christian Horner during the 2021 championship year shows no sign of abating now two years on. What should have been a nothing story reported in the Daily Mail about Lewis Hamilton’s team approaching Red Bull earlier this season has now descended into farce with claim and counter claim being made.

The article in the British media claimed that a ‘known representative’ of Hamilton had contacted Christian Horner while the seven times world champion was negotiating his new contract with Mercedes. Given that Red Bull look set to…READ MORE ON THIS STORY