P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA’s Single Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis believes that the issue of Formula 1cars struggling to follow each other in racing
The ground effect regulations introduced in 2022 aimed to limit aerodynamic outwash from cars, allowing for closer competition and more overtaking opportunities. However, teams and engineers have found loopholes in the regulations, resulting in increased outwash and estimated 35% loss of downforce when following another car in 2023. The FIA is aware of the issue and is working to combat it, but closing the loopholes won’t happen until 2026. Despite the worsening of the wake, it is still an improvement compared to 2021. The FIA doesn’t expect the problem to worsen further next year, as there are no more loopholes to exploit. Following rivals is important for overtaking, but there are other factors involved, such as tyre wear, engine performance, and overall competitiveness of the car. The FIA and F1 will continue to focus on improving racing on track.
