Written by Hugh Waring
Image: XPBimages
In a move that is set to reduce the number of grid penalties applied in the latter part of the campaign, F1 teams and the FIA have agreed to increase the allocation of four of the main power unit elements for the 2023 season only.
With immediate effect ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, each driver is allowed to use 4 rather than 3 components of the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Turbo Charger, MGU-H, and MGU-K within this season before penalties kick in. The allocation for the energy store and control electronics remains at two units each per season.
The change in engine element allocation for the 2023 season is set to come as a relief to some drivers who are already on their second internal combustion engine (ICE) heading into the upcoming race in Baku. This includes Nyck de Vries, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Kevin Magnussen, and Nico Hulkenberg.
In addition to these drivers, it is expected that George Russell will also take a second ICE, MGU-H, MGU-K, and Turbo Charger after his engine was damaged terminally in Australia.
Extended Grid Procedure:
The change was one of several pieces of housekeeping to be agreed upon by the F1 Commission and passed by the World Motor Sport Council on Tuesday. The time allocated for the grid procedure has been extended from 40 minutes to 50 minutes to allow more time for ceremonies and presentations before races.
Cost Cap Exclusions:
In addition, the FIA has agreed to look into possible cost cap exclusions related to updating F1 team factory infrastructures, but only in the context of improving sustainability. Certain sustainability initiative costs will now be excluded from the cost cap, including costs associated with installing sustainable infrastructure, auditing and monitoring of competitors' carbon footprint, donations to charities engaged in the promotion of environmental sustainability projects and carbon offset programmes.
An FIA statement said:
"A specifically dedicated working group within the Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) has developed a proposal for the introduction of an exclusion of costs in respect of certain sustainability initiatives from 2023 onwards, with particular focus on environmental concerns.
"Following support from the FAC members and approval of the commission, certain sustainability initiative costs will now be excluded from the cost cap.
"These exclusions cover, amongst other things, costs associated with installing sustainable infrastructure, auditing and monitoring of competitors' carbon footprint, donations to charities engaged in the promotion of environmental sustainability projects and carbon offset programmes. The FAC will continue to refine this regulation."