The F1 Commission met in Abu Dhabi for the last time this season and some important decisions were taken.
The format of the sprint races in Formula 1 will be further adjusted. The teams and drivers have been criticizing the current format for some time and it is also sometimes very unclear for the fans to follow how the rules actually work.
The F1 Commission has decided that it will further look at how the sprint format can be adjusted and, in particular, how the sprint weekend will be adjusted to separate the ‘sprint events’ from the Grand Prix that takes place on Sunday. This will be discussed further during the first F1 Commission of 2024. The six race weekends in which the sprint races will take place will also be announced in the course of the coming weekend.
Formula 1 initially wanted to ban tire warmers, but after postponing the ban to 2025, it has now been decided that tire warmers will still be allowed to be used in 2025. By not banning tire warmers, the F1 Commission is responding to the complaint of many teams and drivers that the ban on tire warmers will only lead to very dangerous situations and endanger the safety of the drivers.
It has also been agreed that the teams will not be allowed to start work on the 2026 F1 car until 2025. Of course, work can already be done on the engine regulations, the ban only applies to the chassis of the car, after all, the engine manufacturers are already busy developing the power sources for 2026.
After previous complaints about physical complaints due to high temperatures, action is also being taken in that area. The drivers will have more options in terms of cooling. The possibilities are being further investigated and finally, further work is being done on the project that aims to reduce spray in rainy conditions.