Since 2021, Formula 1 teams have no longer been able to fully determine the technical development of their vehicles themselves. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has ensured this and issued special rules that are intended to improve equal opportunities in the Formula 1 field.
The final standings in the constructors’ championship are of particular importance: the table serves as a starting point for the classification of the individual teams at the beginning of the new Formula 1 season – who has to work with which handicap.
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Stefan Ehlen describes the exact mechanisms in Chapter 9 of his new book “Formula 1: Everything you need to know” (Meyer & Meyer Verlag), which focuses on the Formula 1 regulations. SPONSORED LINK: “Formula 1: Everything you need to know” order here now! * The work, from which we are allowed to quote exclusively below, is a guide through the sporting and technical Formula 1 regulations and illuminates exactly those nuances that are often lost in the general euphoria:
9.3.4 Operational Rules
“The operational regulations of Formula 1 describe certain procedures that the teams must adhere to. These include, for example, the mandatory factory closures for 14 days during the summer break and for 9 days during the winter break.
During this time, development work must come to a complete standstill: no simulations may be created or wind tunnel tests may be carried out, and the production of parts is also prohibited. After all, the teams can choose the exact period for the closure themselves. They are also permitted to carry out necessary repairs on the vehicles or maintenance work on the factory infrastructure.
Another key area of the operational rules relates to the development scope of the teams for wind tunnel tests (in hours) and digital simulations (in trials). Formula 1 relies on a handicap system that restricts stronger teams and favors weaker teams.
The decisive factor for the classification is the final position in the overall World Cup ranking from the previous year. For all following periods, the current World Cup intermediate rankings of the teams apply, to be determined during the year.
This determines how much development effort the teams are allowed to invest: seventh place corresponds to one hundred percent. There is a staggered deduction for positions before this and a staggered surcharge for positions after that. The values for tenth place apply analogously to an eleventh or new team.
In addition, the operational regulations stipulate various restrictions on drive development: test benches may be used intensively in the three years before a drive is used for the first time in racing. In the first year of the competition, the time is reduced to around a third and for all subsequent years it is halved again.”
Looking ahead: The new era 2026
In addition to the current regulations and historical classifications, the book also offers an outlook on the massive turning point that Formula 1 is about to face. From 2026, completely new drive and chassis regulations will apply. Anyone who would like to use the winter break to not only find out about the intricacies of awarding titles, but also to prepare for the coming technical revolution, can find it in “Formula 1: Everything you need to know” the relevant backgrounds. SPONSORED LINK: Order the book now here on Amazon! *
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