Fast Five: FIA contemplates delaying F1 spray guards, House of Commons lauds Red Bull's dominance, and other big updates

FIA contemplates delaying F1 spray guards amid testing setbacks

The FIA is considering delaying the implementation of spray guards on Formula 1 cars until 2026 due to financial and logistical challenges in testing the revised solution for the 'Wet Weather Package.' Initial testing at Silverstone with Mick Schumacher revealed that the first spray guards were too small and ineffective in improving visibility. Despite the setback, the FIA plans to test a new iteration in May 2024, and if successful, it could be part of the 2025 or 2026 regulations. However, doubts persist about addressing the spray issue caused by the diffuser, with the FIA banking on the 2026 rule changes to naturally reduce its impact. The possibility of mandating a different wet weather car configuration is considered too complicated, and creating a physical barrier to the diffuser is ruled out due to potential grip loss.

Click here to read the full article by Ben Anderson and Scott Mitchell-Malm (the-race.com)

House of Commons lauds Red Bull's dominance

Red Bull Racing's outstanding achievements in the 2023 Formula 1 season, including 21 wins out of 22 races and securing both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, were commended in the House of Commons. Greg Smith MP praised Red Bull's success, highlighting the team's contribution to the UK economy through innovation and engineering excellence. The Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, acknowledged the significance of motorsports to the UK and expressed pride in the country being the home of motorsports. Looking ahead, Red Bull aims to maintain their dominance in the 2024 F1 season with the RB20 challenger.

Click here to read the full article by Jamie Woodhouse (planetf1.com)

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Qualifying red flag rules tightened for F2 and F3 

For the 2024 Formula 2 and Formula 3 seasons, a significant rule change has been implemented in response to a longstanding demand within Formula 1. Specifically, drivers causing a red flag in qualifying may now face consequences, including potentially deleting their fastest lap. This adjustment aligns with calls for stricter regulations to prevent drivers from strategically causing red flags to secure advantageous starting positions. Article 33.5 of the F2 and F3 Sporting Regulations now states that a driver deemed solely responsible for a red flag during qualifying will be excluded from the session, and their fastest lap may be erased.

Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol (racingnews365.com)

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Which is the fastest in the McLaren fleet?

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Formula Addict compares the lap times of five McLaren Formula 1 cars: the MCL34, MCL35, MCL35M, MCL36, and MCL60. Using cutting-edge 3D lap time comparison,  they examine the performance of these vehicles on the track to identify the fastest among the McLaren F1 fleet.

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Schumacher teaches longest German words

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Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher is often seen on the track or learning from fellow F1 drivers. In a different role this time, he's giving language lessons—specifically, teaching some really long German words. Schumacher notes the Germans' penchant for combining words extensively, and you can join in to learn more about it.