The FIA -- the governing body for many auto racing events, including Formula One -- is set to trial a simplified air conditioning system in Formula 1 car cockpits following extreme heat challenges at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, as reported by Motorsport.com. This quick blog will explain what prompted this new AC test and how the FIA is taking action.
When Qatar returned to the F1 calendar last year in early October, even during night-time sessions, temperatures on the fast, high-energy circuit never fell below 88°F (31°C). This posed serious physical challenges for drivers across the race's 57 laps. Williams' Logan Sargeant suffered heatstroke, Esteban Ocon of Alpine vomited in his helmet, and Lance Stroll from Aston Martin briefly lost consciousness.
Prompted by these incidents, the FIA launched an investigation and vowed to take immediate action to prevent a recurrence, despite Qatar's move to a cooler December slot for 2024.
As part of their response, the FIA consulted their medical commission and introduced new technical rules for 2024. These include allowing a second cooling inlet scoop on the top of the nose to enhance airflow towards drivers in the cockpit.
Following through on their commitment, the FIA has issued guidance for teams and initiated research into more efficient cockpit airflow modifications. Starting at the upcoming Dutch GP, a trial system will be tested on one car. Unlike traditional air conditioning units, this system features smaller structures around the cockpit and car bodywork to deliver cooled air directly to the driver.
Successful tests in subsequent races could lead to mandatory implementation of this system in F1 regulations, though its use will be dictated by conditions similar to the FIA's previous approach with temporary wheel spray guards in extreme wet weather scenarios.
In an exclusive statement to Motorsport.com, the FIA emphasized their collaborative efforts with F1 teams to address extreme heat challenges, culminating in the development of both passive and active cooling solutions for future races under hazardous heat conditions.
Heat management remains a critical concern at this weekend's Hungarian GP, which is anticipated to be one of F1's hottest races in 2024, comparable to Imola and Austria. Teams may be required to use the passive upper nose cone scoop to mitigate heat risks.
Furthermore, teams will be granted special permissions to cool down driver equipment and cockpit components before sessions, such as temporarily removing and cooling the driver's seat—a departure from current F1 regulations.
Prompted by these incidents, the FIA launched an investigation and vowed to take immediate action to prevent a recurrence, despite Qatar's move to a cooler December slot for 2024.
As part of their response, the FIA consulted their medical commission and introduced new technical rules for 2024. These include allowing a second cooling inlet scoop on the top of the nose to enhance airflow towards drivers in the cockpit.
Following through on their commitment, the FIA has issued guidance for teams and initiated research into more efficient cockpit airflow modifications. Starting at the upcoming Dutch GP, a trial system will be tested on one car. Unlike traditional air conditioning units, this system features smaller structures around the cockpit and car bodywork to deliver cooled air directly to the driver.
Successful tests in subsequent races could lead to mandatory implementation of this system in F1 regulations, though its use will be dictated by conditions similar to the FIA's previous approach with temporary wheel spray guards in extreme wet weather scenarios.
In an exclusive statement to Motorsport.com, the FIA emphasized their collaborative efforts with F1 teams to address extreme heat challenges, culminating in the development of both passive and active cooling solutions for future races under hazardous heat conditions.
Heat management remains a critical concern at this weekend's Hungarian GP, which is anticipated to be one of F1's hottest races in 2024, comparable to Imola and Austria. Teams may be required to use the passive upper nose cone scoop to mitigate heat risks.
Furthermore, teams will be granted special permissions to cool down driver equipment and cockpit components before sessions, such as temporarily removing and cooling the driver's seat—a departure from current F1 regulations.
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