F1: Fuel Limit Set To Increase On Cars From 2019

Formula One drivers will be allowed to push their cars to full power starting next season as the F1 Strategy Group, F1 Commission and the top teams have agreed to increase the race fuel allowance from 2019. The Group reached a conclusion on the matter in a meeting held on Tuesday where a host of details were discussed. As a result, cars will now be able to carry up to 110 kg of fuel as opposed to the current 105 kg allowed. This, the commission said will help drivers to "to be able to use the engine at full power at all times." Drivers till now were concerned about conserving fuel when racing till the chequered flag is dropped.

Under the current regulations, fuel saving is necessary with the cars being heavier and thirstier, especially with the addition of the Halo Cockpit protection device pushing up the overall kerb weight of the cars, and apart from the aerodynamic changes that make for higher downforce levels and faster lap times. Fuel saving then was critical for the teams and drivers, and has not been so popular with fans. However, the new norm should help the teams and drivers to ease out on fuel conservation and keep the gas pedal engaged for longer.

The board has confirmed the separation of the weight of the driver and car. The driver's weight will now be at a minimum of 80 kg, and they will be using biometric gloves for safety reasons, starting next season. These gloves have sensors that gather personal data including heart rate, which help in assessing the driver's condition faster in the event of crash.

F1 promoters Liberty Media has also been eager to introduce more overtaking in the sport. A fan favourite, the organisers want to make aerodynamic changes to boost overtaking in F1 and it was debated in the said meeting apart from the other initiatives. FIA wants a decision on the same by the end of this month, which is the official deadline of the rule changes for the 2019 season.

The FIA also presented its engine regulations proposal for 2021 during the meeting, which read that only the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid motor will continue without the MGU-H exhaust energy recovery system. With FIA and Liberty Media sharing different views on the matter, the governing body said it would meet the current and potential power unit manufacturers to discuss the proposals in further detail and hope to reach an agreement by the end of May 2018.