Formula 1 rule changes 2018

New rules introduced for the 2018 Formula 1 season are relatively few in number but of some significance, such as a new driver “halo” protection system and softer, faster tyres 

SHARK FINS AND T-WINGS BANNED
Bodywork regulation loopholes, taken advantage of by teams in 2017, have been outlawed for 2018 season

T-wing: Better directs airflow to rear wing
Banned

Extended shark fin: Smooths turbulent airflow
Banned

Trick suspension: Allows ride height to be varied over lap
Banned

Oil: Changes to ensure oil cannot be used as fuel

Batteries: New minimum weight and volume

HALO

Cockpit protection device designed to improve driver safety in event of accident — in particular to deflect debris away from head. Estimated to add 14kg to car’s weight

Resistance*
93 KN
46 KN
116 KN
*Impact force in kilonewtons
New for 2018, Williams FW41 car 

THREE ENGINES PER SEASON
In bid to make F1 power units more reliable each driver must make do with three engines for entire 21-race campaign (2017 allowed four). Driving too aggressively risks costly repairs and subsequent grid penalties (see right)

EXPANDED “RAINBOW” TYRE RANGE
Introduction of Superhard and Hypersoft tyres (seven slick compounds rather than 2017’s five). Notably softer than last year’s, making them fastest tyres in F1 history — possibly shaving one second off lap times. Races will also see more pit stops and fewer one-stop Grands Prix

Wet tyres  
Dry (slick) tyres

Wet
Superhard (new)
Medium
Supersoft
Hypersoft (new)

Intermediate
Hard
Soft
Ultrasoft

SIMPLIFIED GRID PENALTIES
Driver earning penalty of 15 grid places or more will start from back of grid. If more than one driver receives same penalty, they will be arranged in order of when offences were committed

Start line
Extreme example:
Pole position driver whose car has seen three engine components replaced would be penalised 15 grid places and moved into last place on grid

Engine penalities:
For each engine part replaced, grid drop of five places is instigated


Sources: FIA, Pirelli, Autosport, Car Throttle
Pictures: Williams Martini Racing