The FIA Technical directors Pat Symonds and Nikolas Tombazis addressed the success of the 2022 technical rules. They mentioned that the purpose of ground-effect rules was fulfilled. But we may not achieve complete zero turbulence behind the cars. Nonetheless, these rules have given us a new competitive order. But they also gave Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes several problems to resolve.

Lewis Hamilton might have been quite downbeat, looking at his 2022 results. And for the first time in 8 years, Mercedes just won one race in the whole season. While it was uncharacteristic for the boys from Brackley, they had their issues on the W13.

The most profound issue was the bouncing of the car. Termed as porpoising, it restricted Mercedes to find more pace on its car with the new ground effect concept. Although the 2023 technical modifications by the FIA might be of good use for the Silver Arrows.

As per Auto Motor und Sport, the FIA is raising the edges of the underbody upwards by 15 mm. The result of these raised floor edges will be a loss of 15 to 20 points of downforce. Symonds and Tombazis said that they had suggested this to the teams in 2022 as well.

They said, “We were concerned that the cars would drive very low and the edges of the ground would be damaged too often. It was more a matter of saving costs. The teams rejected it because our suggestion came at too short notice.” [translated via Google]

The Brackley team might compensate for the loss of downforce with their car development. But there is a catch. The FIA has also banned the deflectors that Mercedes used in Austin on their front wing. They reasoned, “In this idea I see a risk that it could go the wrong way if the idea is pursued and pushed to the limit.” 

Mercedes F1 Boss Toto Wolff Willing to Risk It All to Get Back in the Fight Against Red Bull: “I Believe in the Organization”

These wing updates were helping Hamilton and Mercedes to develop a good pace since the US Grand Prix. Though developing front-wing and rear-wing updates might defeat the purpose of the ground effect rules is what the FIA thinks.

Along with Mercedes Deflectors, FIA bans Aston Martin Rear Wing

Aston Martin introduced a beaded rear wing concept at the Hungarian GP. This rear wing was similar to 2021 wings with an end plate-like structure at the edges. Aston was looking to gain an advantage from this wing at higher downforce tracks.

While the FIA allowed Aston to use this wing for 2022, they have banned it from the next year. As they are looking to eliminate past wing concepts to reduce turbulent air behind the cars for better racing.

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”

April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal

April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Another major update for 2023 is the size of the rear-view mirrors. The 2023 cars will have 50% more mirror surface with dimensions of 220 mm width and 60 mm height. There was a proposition of a camera mirror too with a screen on the steering wheel. But Tombazis explained that these are future concepts and dangerous to implement now.

On the other hand, DRS (Drag Reduction System) will remain in F1 as it is still needed for overtaking assistance. Though the FIA has considered reducing the effectiveness of DRS at some tracks, where overtaking has become too easy (say: Spa-Francorchamps).

Watch This Story: Timeline of the Controversial Jewelry ban and the Lewis Hamilton face-off with the FIA

Time will tell, how all these technical updates will be effective next year. Nonetheless, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes will want to start on the right foot in Bahrain in less than 3 months’ time. What do you think? Will the 2023 Mercedes car get free of all the 2022 issues?