P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The FIA is weighing up whether to delay implementing spray guards on Formula 1 cars until new regulations arrive for 2026, or abandon the project entirely
The FIA is considering whether to delay the implementation of spray guards on Formula 1 cars until 2026 or abandon the project altogether. Testing of a revised solution for F1’s ‘Wet Weather Package’ was scheduled for November but has been postponed until May 2024 due to financial and logistical challenges. The initial testing of spray guards at Silverstone in July proved to be a failure, as they were too small and did not significantly improve visibility. The FIA aims to reduce spray by 50% and will explore the possibility of fully covering the wheels to achieve this goal. If the upcoming test in May does not go well, the FIA may have to reconsider their approach. Overcoming poor visibility caused by wet conditions is a difficult challenge, especially for high-speed single-seater cars. The FIA still has concerns about the spray produced by the diffusers on the new ground effect cars, as they contribute to the visibility issue. The FIA acknowledges that even with spray guards, there will still be some visibility issues. Mandating a different configuration of cars for wet conditions could be a solution but would pose logistical and financial challenges.
