The next restart after the restart in Formula 1

Now Formula 1 used the (war-related) five week breakto revise the rules again. In Miami It remains to be seen whether the balance of power has shifted.

What’s actually new?

In qualifying, for example, the maximum amount of energy that drivers can recover per lap is reduced from eight to seven megajoules. This should allow the pilots to drive more at full throttle. In addition, the limit for so-called superclipping was increased from 250 kW to 350 kW. In this mode, to put it simply, cars can recover energy while the driver applies full throttle. In the race, the pilots will now only be able to release an additional 150 kW using the boost button. Previously it was 350 kW. This is intended to reduce the speed differences when overtaking, which in turn should increase safety.

What are the drivers’ reactions?

“The rule changes alone will not overturn the ranking, the corrections were simply too small,” said the McLaren driver Oscar Piastri. Some drivers noted that hardly any fundamental changes were noticed in the simulator. Max Verstappenwho was recently extremely unhappy with the driving behavior of the cars, is in a more positive mood again. “We had positive discussions with the FIA ​​and Formula 1. That’s a good basis,” said the Red Bull star – and would like to have more say in the future: “We have a good sense of what is necessary to make Formula 1 a good product.” Also Lewis Hamilton says: “Talk to us, we work hand in hand.”

Can the competition catch up with Mercedes?

While McLaren, for example, speaks of a “completely new car in Miami,” claims WM-Leader Kimi Antonelli: “We have almost no improvements to the car.” At least the 19-year-old Italian assumes that the opponents have gotten closer.

What’s going on with the weather in Miami?

The forecast indicates possible thunderstorms. If there is an immediate risk of lightning, organizers in Miami are required by civil law to temporarily suspend all outdoor activities. In addition, there is still no experience as to how the new generation of cars will behave in wet conditions.