The 2025 Formula 1 season is about to kick off with a bang in Australia at Albert Park, and there are some notable changes to the regulations that fans need to be aware of as the cars hit the track. While the 2026 season is anticipated to bring the biggest shift in F1’s technical regulations in recent memory, the rule book has remained relatively static since the current generation of cars was unveiled in 2022.
One of the most significant alterations came in 2023 when the floor height and fences were reduced by 15mm, and the diffuser ‘throat’ was raised by 10mm. These adjustments were made to minimize the porpoising effect that plagued the cars in their debut season, which led to the introduction of an “oscillation metric” to control excessive up-and-down movements.
Following the success of these changes, the FIA decided to implement further modifications in 2025 due to concerns raised by teams regarding aeroelasticity issues. Additionally, driver cooling systems were introduced to prevent heat-related illnesses, inspired by the conditions drivers faced during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.
Revised Wing Regulations
Both the front and rear wings of the F1 cars will be subject to revised regulations aimed at addressing the flexi-wing controversy that emerged in the previous season. The rear wing will now undergo flex tests starting from the season-opener in Australia, restricting movement in various directions to ensure fair competition.
Moreover, dimensional regulations for the rear wing have been adjusted, with specific limits set for the slot gap between wing elements to prevent teams from exploiting loopholes. The regulations now mandate only two states for the wings—DRS on and DRS off—to prevent the use of mini-DRS effects for speed advantages.
Article 3.10.10 in the 2025 technical regulations outlines the restrictions on the DRS bodywork positions, emphasizing the need for consistency and swift transitions between states. These changes aim to maintain a level playing field and uphold the integrity of the sport.
Driver Weight and Cooling Equipment
In a bid to enhance safety and comfort for drivers, a 2kg increase in the minimum driver weight has been implemented, raising the overall minimum weight of an F1 car to 800kg. The addition of driver cooling equipment, designed by Chillout Motorsports, will be utilized in races where temperature conditions warrant its use to prevent heat-related issues.
The cooling system, which includes a fireproof underlay shirt with integrated cooling technology, offers drivers a more comfortable racing experience. While currently not mandatory, the system will become a standard requirement in the 2026 season to ensure all drivers are adequately protected from heat hazards.
Moreover, the weight limit adjustments and cooling equipment specifications reflect F1’s commitment to prioritizing driver well-being and performance on the track. These advancements showcase the sport’s continuous efforts to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances.
Sporting Regulation Changes
In a significant alteration to the 2025 format, the championship point awarded for the fastest lap of the race has been eliminated. This decision aims to prevent strategic gaming of the system and ensure that the fastest lap accolade is earned through genuine performance rather than tactical maneuvers.
Additionally, Monaco will now mandate two-stop races in dry weather conditions, with penalties imposed on drivers who fail to adhere to this requirement. The tightening of regulations surrounding testing of previous cars and on-track conduct further emphasizes F1’s commitment to fair competition and safety for all participants.
These changes reflect F1’s ongoing efforts to enhance the sport’s integrity, competitiveness, and safety standards. By implementing stricter regulations and introducing innovative technologies, Formula 1 aims to create a more engaging and sustainable racing environment for fans and drivers alike.
