Formula One rules tweaked for 2014

Formula One will see a major difference next season, courtesy of the switch to 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 engines. But that won’t be the only change.

At its recent meeting that took place on the 28th of June, the FIA World Motorsport Council decided on several other rulebook amendments.

Regarding 2014’s Sporting Regulations, the latest alterations comprise:

• The introduction of a penalty point system for drivers. Each infringement will earn from one to three points, with those points remaining on a driver’s licence for twelve months. Once a total of twelve points is reached, a one-race ban will be imposed.


• A new procedure that allows drivers to surrender any advantage previously gained by leaving the track.


• The scrapping of the current three-day young driver test and one-day promotional days. In their place, four two-day test sessions after European races are to be sanctioned. Also, teams will be allowed to begin their pre-season track testing in January because of the new engines.


• A cut in wind tunnel testing to help reduce costs. Furthermore, teams will be permitted to share wind tunnel facilities.


• A blanket 80 km/h (50 mph) pit lane speed limit that will apply to free practice sessions, qualifying and the race. The only exceptions are the events in Melbourne, Monaco and Singapore, where a 60 km/h (37 mph) limit is going to be enforced. During a race, all personnel working on a car during pit stops will have to wear protective headgear.


• A limit of five power units per driver per season. If an additional complete power unit is used, the race has to be started from the pit lane. If an extra major component (e.g. a turbocharger) is used, then that will result in a ten-place grid penalty. Manufacturers can only homologate one power unit for the period from 2014 to 2020, but changes are permitted for reliability and cost-saving purposes.


• An increase in the number of consecutive races that a gearbox must be used for, from five to six.


• A maximum fuel use limit of 100 kg, which shall apply from the start of the race to the chequered flag.


• The allocation of an extra set of tyres to each driver for use in the first thirty minutes of the first Friday practice session. This move is to encourage teams on to the track during that time.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz has been granted permission to supply engines to four teams. As well as the Mercedes factory team, it currently supplies McLaren and Force India. Williams will be added to that list from 2014.

Changes to the Technical Regulations for 2014 consist of:

• An increase in the minimum weight limit by 5 kg (11 lbs) to accommodate the new powertrains.


• The standardisation of side-impact structures, together with alterations to the relevant impact tests. Also, the amount of permitted cockpit rim side deflection during static load tests is being reduced from 20 mm to 5 mm.


• The permitted use of electronic control for the rear brake circuit. This is to ensure more consistent braking while the kinetic energy recovery system is active.


• New measures that make sure cars do not feature a stepped chassis behind the nose.

Related posts:
2013 Formula One entry list
2013 Formula One calendar