As we edge closer to the start of the 2023 Formula One season, what has changed from last year, and what does this mean?
Amongst a record-breaking 23 races, a number of rule changes and three rookies joining the grid - a lot has changed from last season. So, what is different and how does this affect teams and drivers.
The most recent change was the announcement that Formula One have adapted the rules surrounding shortened races, in light of the controversy surrounding Max Verstappen’s second World Championship win.
The Dutch driver clinched his second World Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix last year, when the race was paused after only two laps due to substantial rainfall hitting the track.
The race resumed over two hours later and finished with only 28 laps out of the scheduled 53 completed.
However, full points were awarded at Suzuka. This provided Verstappen with the maximum 25 points, closing off the championship battle with four races to go much to the surprise of Red Bull.
The FIA’s explanation was that the reduced points rule only applied if the race could not be resumed, as was the case in Spa 2021 when rainy track conditions deemed the circuit unsafe, resulting in the race being suspended.
So, what else has changed?
The F1 Commission has approved a change to the Pirelli wet weather tyres, coming into force from Imola in May. A new compound was produced which can provide optimal performance without the need for tyre blankets to bring the compounds up to track temperature. This is part of an initiative to reduce the overall need for tyre blankets in order to create a more sustainable F1, and should be an improvement from the current wet tyres which have proven to be considerably slow.
In terms of speed, Albert Park circuit in Melbourne is set to have a fourth Drag Reduction System (DRS) activation zone added to provide the fastest ever Australian Grand Prix - with cars anticipated to reach up to 340kph. This modification is in combination with other circuits such as Jeddah, Baku, Miami, and the season opener in Bahrain making adaptations to their DRS zones.
There has also been a relaxation on the rules regarding team and driver radio communication. This follows a crackdown back in 2014, in which the FIA attempted to prevent teams from delivering their drivers excessive coaching.
F1 also welcomes three new drivers to the grid – Nyck de Vries for AlphaTauri, Logan Sargeant for Williams, and the highly anticipated Oscar Piastri for McLaren. The rookies will make their first appearances for their respective teams during pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit on Thursday, ahead of the start of the season at the same track from March 3.