New F1 rules aim to tighten up the field

Motorsport’s governing body has approved rule changes designed to increase overtaking and promote closer racing in Formula One as part of an ongoing initiative to win back fans.

From next year, F1 aerodynamics will be simplified. Cars will have a front wing with a larger span, simplified brake ducts, and a wider rear wing.

FIA said the changes approved at its World Motor Sport Council meeting Monday followed “an intense period of research” that led to a majority electronic vote from the F1 teams.

The front wings will also have a low outwash potential. This means less air from the front wing will be generated around the outside of the tires, which in turn will less hinder the downforce and grip of the car behind trying to overtake.

The proposals also have the backing of F1 owner Liberty Media and have been ratified for 2019, the FIA said in a statement Tuesday.

The approved changes are separate to the ongoing work in regard to defining F1 regulations for 2021 and beyond, when the set of rules, known as the Concorde Agreement, expires.

The biggest change in 2021 will focus on engines, budget caps and wealth distribution, to create a more level playing field. F1 wants cheaper, louder, more powerful engines — but also wants them more reliable to reduce the amount of grid penalties. The new engines, or power units, must also be accessible to any new teams — such as Aston Martin — planning to enter the series.

But F1 has been fast-tracking some changes that did not need to wait until 2021.

Recently, measures were approved for an increase in race fuel allowance to allow drivers to race at full power for longer, and the separation of driver weight from car weight to end the disadvantage of heavier drivers.