Future Sprint format among topics discussed during latest F1 Commission meeting

Abu Dhabi is not only staging the last round of the season this weekend, but it also played host to the fourth and final meeting of the Formula 1 Commission in 2023 on Friday, with several future rule changes discussed.

Amongst the key topics on the agenda were the format of Sprint events for 2024 and beyond, along with other items including tyre strategy, driver cooling and development of the new 2026 cars.

The meeting was chaired by FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, with the main talking points and decisions listed below as per an official statement.

2024 Sprint format

First up, the Commission gave overall support regarding an update to the Sprint format for 2024 in a move to “further rationalise the weekend by separating Sprint activities from those for the Grand Prix.”

The Sporting Advisory Committee is now set to work through specific details, particularly regarding timing and parc ferme regulations, with a final proposal to be presented to the F1 Commission at next year’s first meeting.

The final calendar for the 2024 Sprint events is due to be published in the coming weeks.

Wet weather package

In an ongoing push to improve visibility in rain-hit sessions, a further test regarding wet weather packaging and spray reduction will take place in Spring 2024, using a cover design that “completely envelopes the tyre”, with a view to establishing a proof of concept for the wheel cover.

Tyre strategy

As for tyres, the Commission agreed that there should be a focus on “reducing issues of overheating and improving the raceability of tyres”, meaning tyre blankets will be retained for 2025.

Meanwhile, following trials of an Alternative Tyre Allocation earlier this season, the decision has been taken to stick with the standard 13 sets of dry tyres in 2024, with sections of the regulations covering the ATA to be removed.

Driver cooling

In the wake of the extreme temperatures experienced at the Qatar Grand Prix, the Commission has approved updates to the Technical Regulations to allow a scoop to increase driver cooling to be fitted to the car, while additional analysis is being carried out for potential supplementary options.

Technical and Sporting Regulations

Also approved was a safety-related update to the Technical Regulations, mitigating the danger created by metallic components in the floor if they become detached, by limiting their mass and number, along with other minor changes to the 2024 Technical and Sporting Regulations.

Financial Regulations

Alongside the Technical and Sporting Updates, the Commission approved further refinements regarding the exclusion of Sustainability Initiative Costs from the Financial Regulations.

This specifically covers costs that are attributable to defining and identifying sustainability objectives, the strategy envisaged to achieve these objectives, and the monitoring, collation and production of reports to measure progress against carbon footprint and emissions targets and overall ESG sustainability objectives.

2026 car development

Finally, the Commission agreed that no work can be carried out on the development of a car for the 2026 season – when new power units will come into play – before the start of 2025.

All regulatory changes remain subject to approval by the World Motor Sport Council.