Strategic Group F1: The move to 1000 horsepower under study for 2017
The F1 Strategy Group has made several decisions regarding potential regulatory changes for the future: discussions will commence with the aim of introducing changes as early as 2016, with a transition to a 1000 horsepower engine by 2017.
Formula 1 teams have given the green light for work on the potential move to 1000 horsepower in 2017 to continue, in addition to relatively significant changes that could occur concerning cars and tires as early as next year.
The meeting of the F1 Strategy Group this Thursday was marked by the rejection of Marussia’s request to race in 2015 with the 2014 car. However, this was not the only decision made, as proposals were put forward to change the appearance and speed of the cars over the next two seasons.
A long work remains to be done on these issues before an introduction into F1 regulations, but some have expressed their support for such changes and their first implementations which could occur in 2016 and 2017.
The most important issue remains the motorization of Formula 1 cars. Thus, the Strategic Group has agreed on the possibility of increasing to 1000 horsepower through modifying the fuel flow limit and the amount of fuel carried, rather than abandoning the current hybrid V6 and replacing it with the old V8. Engine manufacturers will now be required to think about detailed proposals in the coming weeks, to assess whether such hypotheses are realistic for an introduction in 2017.
In addition to engines, teams have explored several possibilities to improve cars, including additional aerodynamic downforce, a more appealing appearance, and wider tires, all considered for the 2016 season. Autosport reports that many ideas have surfaced regarding the approach, with the underlying issue of costs and their control as the ultimate deciding factor.
A source, cited by the British publication, explains: « The engine change will not happen before 2017, but what could happen in 2016 are wider rear tires and modifications to the bodywork to accommodate that. What is being studied is the increase in additional costs beyond what we should normally do. »
The technical directors of the teams will be asked to discuss these ideas and their costs at the next working group scheduled later this month. These exchanges, if they proceed smoothly, could potentially allow for the approval of regulatory changes for 2016 at the next F1 Commission meeting on February 18th. As a reminder, regulatory changes are possible before March 1st with only the majority of the votes from this commission. After this date, unanimity is required to amend the regulations. The F1 Commission is composed of all the stakeholders of the discipline (FIA, commercial rights holders, sponsors, all the teams, engine manufacturers, tire manufacturer, etc.).
