With the Formula One season beginning in March in Australia and finishing in December in Abu Dhabi, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) introduced several aerodynamic and technical regulation changes for the 2019 season.
The aim of these changes was to improve wheel-to-wheel racing, make overtaking easier, and reduce the aerodynamic turbulence that makes it difficult for drivers to follow closely behind another car.
Let’s take a look at the major rule changes introduced for the 2019 Formula One season.
Simplified Front Wings
One of the most significant changes involved the front wing, one of the most important aerodynamic components on an F1 car.
For 2019, front wings became:
- Wider
- Higher
- Simpler in design
The objective was to reduce the “outwash” effect created by complex wing elements. This aerodynamic effect previously pushed turbulent air away from the car, making it harder for following drivers to stay close.
By simplifying the front wing design, Formula One hoped to create cleaner airflow and increase overtaking opportunities.
New Brake Duct Regulations
Brake ducts also underwent significant changes.
Modern Formula One teams had developed highly complex brake duct designs that offered aerodynamic advantages beyond simply cooling the brakes. These intricate designs required substantial development time and investment.
The 2019 regulations simplified brake duct construction to:
- Reduce aerodynamic exploitation
- Lower development costs
- Improve airflow consistency between cars
Brake ducts remain vital for cooling braking systems, but the new regulations restricted their use as advanced aerodynamic devices.
Wider and Deeper Rear Wings
Rear wings were also redesigned to encourage closer racing.
The new regulations increased:
- Rear wing width by 100mm
- Rear wing height by 20mm
The larger rear wing helped increase the effectiveness of the Drag Reduction System (DRS), making overtaking easier while creating a larger airflow wake behind the car.
Combined with the front wing changes, the revised rear wing was intended to improve overtaking opportunities throughout the season.
Increased Fuel Allowance
Prior to 2019, drivers were limited to 105kg of fuel for a race.
The FIA increased this allowance to 110kg for the 2019 season.
This change was introduced because many drivers had been forced to conserve fuel during races, often lifting off the throttle and managing fuel consumption rather than pushing at maximum pace.
The additional fuel allowance allowed drivers to race harder throughout the Grand Prix without worrying as much about fuel-saving strategies.
Driver Weight Regulations
Another notable change involved driver weight.
Previously, the combined minimum weight of the car and driver was regulated as a single figure. This could disadvantage taller or heavier drivers.
For 2019, Formula One introduced a separate minimum driver weight of 80kg.
If a driver weighed less than this threshold, teams were required to add ballast within the cockpit area to reach the minimum weight requirement.
This rule helped create a fairer playing field by reducing any competitive advantage associated with driver size and weight.
For more information on fuel tips, check out our tips to improve your fuel efficiency.
How Formula One Regulations Influence Road Cars
While Formula One may seem far removed from everyday motoring, many technologies and engineering innovations eventually influence production vehicles.
Advancements in aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, lightweight materials, and hybrid power systems often begin in motorsport before finding their way into road cars.
If you’re interested in keeping your vehicle running efficiently, our maintenance guidance hub provides useful information on servicing, running costs, and vehicle upkeep.
You may also find this guide helpful:
Thinking About Your Car’s Current Value?
Whether you’re maintaining your vehicle, monitoring running costs, or considering an upgrade, understanding what your car is worth is an important first step.