F1 in search of a more efficient cooling system for the drivers
Formula 1 teams will be mandated in the future to use additional cooling equipment for drivers in extreme conditions, as part of a new safety initiative requested by the FIA. This follows incidents related to heat during the Qatar Grand Prix.
We all remember the Grand Prix of Qatar, and especially the drivers. It was such a grueling race in terms of heat that it led to vomiting, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness, as was the case for Lance Stroll. Terrible images and challenging racing conditions that can harm the image of Formula 1.
In response to the survey launched by the governing body of motorsports, the solutions are now being implemented. During last week’s F1 Commission meeting, plans for a small scoop, with a potential opening to be installed under the car to help direct fresh air into the cockpit, were approved for 2024. But the FIA has now revealed that additional measures are being taken to ensure there is no repetition of the situation in Qatar.
Nikolas Tombazis, Director of FIA Single Seater, explained that everything is being put in place so that, when conditions are deemed extreme based on a combination of temperature, humidity, and track configuration, the FIA can trigger an emergency plan to assist the drivers.
This will result in an immediate increase in the minimum weight of the cars. Regarding this, Tombazis declared: “« This will add some extra weight to the cars, something like probably two kilos, which will be mandatory and mandatory to be used for cooling the driver. This will allow finding solutions such as cooling vests ».”
Even if increasing the minimum weight limit could encourage teams to find a way to bypass and simply install strategic ballast rather than genuine cooling equipment, Tombazis believes that such a decision makes little sense.
« We need to settle some details, but we want to clarify that this is not something you can use for any kind of questionable advantage, “he said, before adding, « it’s really meant to cool down and it’s mandatory ».
« So, you could put weight in the seat, but that would be a bit foolish because, as in Qatar, we have seen drivers make mistakes towards the end of the race. I think it is clearly not in the interest of the teams. »
The idea of the scoop approved by the F1 Commission for 2024 was initially planned for this year but was blocked because a team was concerned about the aerodynamic implications. Tombazis stated that the inlet will ultimately be quite small, as he downplayed any suggestion that it could prove to be a performance differentiator.
Asked about what the scoop would look like, Tombazis replied: “« Don’t imagine a tuba! […] It is actually a location and something that they can, I believe, insert under the chassis ».”
