Formula 1 Cars to be Wider for 2017 Season, Receive Cockpit Protection

Formula 1 is about to undergo a few drastic changes for the 2017 season, as the series’ governing body, the FIA, just announced new rules aimed to improve driver safety and make cars wider and faster.

Though the proposal still needs to be formalized and ratified by the World Motor Sport Council, the new rules would increase tire width by 105 mm in the front and 80 mm in the rear, to 350 mm (13.8 inches) and 405 mm (16 inches), respectively. Bodywork width increases 200 mm to 1,600 mm (63 inches), while front wing span and rear wing width increase by 150 mm and 200 mm, respectively. Rear wing height increases by 50 mm, while diffuser dimensions grow 50 mm in both width and height. Max weight increases by 20 kg (44 pounds) to 722 kg (1,592 pounds) not including tires.

The FIA said in a statement that the changes are intended to create “more exciting cars, delivering additional downforce to increase speeds and lower lap times.” The FIA estimates that the changes could make cars up to 3 seconds faster per lap compared to 2016’s cars. Engine rules are also likely to change, with most of the proposed changes focusing on cost of supply, performance, and “improvement of noise” — possibly in response to criticism from fans who dislike the sound of the turbocharged V-6 engines.

Additionally, F1 will adopt cockpit protection by 2017 in the wake of Justin Wilson’s death last year at the IndyCar ABC Supply 500 race. Wilson was struck in the head by debris from an earlier crash, was knocked unconscious, and later died from his injuries. Mercedes-Benz’ proposed “halo” design is the current favorite, but other options including transparent canopies (à la Le Mans prototypes) being evaluated. The FIA has until April 30 to approve the changes.

Beyond the cars of F1, the series is looking to spice up other aspects of the sport. A “Driver of the Day” award will be given out at the end of a race. Fans will be encouraged to vote online for their pick for the award, and the winner will be announced at the end of the race. Additionally, F1 will implement a new elimination-style qualifying format as early as the 2016 season. The process would keep the three qualifying segments currently in use, but every few minutes the slowest driver is eliminated. In each of the first two sessions, which last 16 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively, seven drivers are eliminated. Eight drivers participate in the third session, and are eliminated by lap time every minute and 30 seconds until only two are left. The fastest of the two gets pole position.

Source: Formula 1

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