Formula 1 Looks Ahead to 2025: Addressing Downforce Issues
FIA Single-Seater Director Confirms Regulation Change in Response to Driver Complaints
Formula 1, September 8, 2023 – FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has confirmed that a regulation change is being looked into for the 2025 season after multiple complaints from drivers about the loss of downforce from the current regulation cars when following close behind the car in front.
This issue came into the spotlight once again following Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s third-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix last weekend. Sainz, during an interview with Motorsport.com Italy, expressed his concerns about the challenges faced by drivers due to aerodynamic turbulence when attempting to overtake competitors.
Tombazis, in his interview with Motorsport.com Italy, acknowledged the growing concerns among drivers and the urgency of addressing this issue. He stated that the FIA is actively considering changes to the regulations in preparation for the 2025 season. Unfortunately, making substantial changes for the 2024 season is not feasible, as the majority of teams have already shifted their focus to their cars for the upcoming year over a month ago.
“It’s starting to become a bit like 2021 or 2020 where it is difficult to follow.”
This announcement reflects Formula 1’s commitment to continually improving the sport and ensuring a level playing field for all competitors. While specific details of the proposed regulation changes are yet to be finalized, it is clear that Formula 1 is dedicated to enhancing the racing experience for both drivers and fans alike.
As the sport evolves and adapts to new challenges, fans can look forward to exciting changes on the horizon. With the 2025 season on the horizon, Formula 1 aims to address the downforce issues that have been a point of contention among drivers and pave the way for even more thrilling and competitive races.
“If we take the 2021 F1 cars, based on being two lengths from the car in front, they were losing more than 50% of the [aero] load.
“With the 2022 single-seaters, there was only a 20% reduction in load. But now we are at about 35%. Surely there has been a worsening and, on this point, Carlos [Sainz] is right. We have identified what we should act on.
“We are studying solutions for 2025. We have identified some parts of the cars to act on, such as the endplate of the front wing, the side of the floor and the fins inside the wheels (around the brake ducts). We could lay down somewhat more restrictive rules in these areas.
“It is clear we no longer have the advantage of 2022 and, therefore, we know that there is work to be done.”
