History of Formula One Regulations - 2011 and Beyond: "Improving The Show"

2011 and Beyond: "Improving The Show"

See also: 2011 Formula One season, 2012 Formula One season, and 2013 Formula One season

Previous regulation changes at the tail end of the first decade of the new millennium aimed at improving the show had largely proven to be a failure. With cost escalation now largely under control thanks to recently implemented budget caps and safety standards at an all time high, the sport's focus for the new decade is around continuing to improve the race spectacle. Alongside this however is the medium term objective of making the sport more environmentally aware, both in an effort to secure its future in times of dwindling fossil fuel reserves, but also to bring in new sponsors put off by the sport's image of conspicuous consumption.

2011

The double-diffuser concept is banned, with teams requiring the use of simple, single-piece diffusers. The "F-duct" system pioneered by McLaren is banned (in conjunction with banning shark fins from being connected to the rear wing). Adjustable front wings have also been banned. Gearboxes must last for 5 race weekends, but for the season each driver has one penalty free gearbox change at their disposal. Driver adjustable rear wing, known as DRS (drag reduction system) introduced to help overtaking. Can be freely used in practice and qualifying, but in the race only when within 1 second of the next car by the detection zone, and only activated in the activation zone. DRS wing must immediately close under braking, and DRS is banned in the first 2 laps of each race, plus when a track is declared wet. 107% qualifying rule re-introduced following concerns about new teams pace. Teams agree to re-introduce KERS, with minimum car weight increasing by twenty kilograms to offset the weight of the KERS device. Sporting regulations amended to clear up last-lap safety car and qualifying in-lap procedures. Drivers are also warned to be examples of road safety when driving in public following Lewis Hamilton being pulled over following the 2010 Australian Grand Prix; FIA President Jean Todt suggests a policy similar to the NFL Personal Conduct code for suspension or revocation of racing licences. Ban on team orders lifted (although FIA can use disrepute clause for misuse of it).

2012

Exhaust tailpipes raised after dispute regarding off-blown diffuser at the 2011 British Grand Prix, car noses reprofiled. Reactive ride systems, "exotic" engine maps, and heliums at air guns (to change tires) banned. Cars must be cleared from all crash tests before pre-season testing. Races capped to four hours following long red flag of the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix. In-season testing allowed again at the circuit the FIA or teams (upon agreement) choose (Mugello Circuit in case of 2012).

2013

Further cost-cutting measures introduced, DRS restricted at the designated zones during free practice and qualifying, mid-season testing discontinued once more, "modesty panels" introduced to compensate for the previous year's front nose reprofilling, double-DRS (pionnered by Mercedes) banned., minimum weight increased to 642 kg (1,420 lb).