FIA bans boost mode in wet conditions ahead of Miami GP
Summary
The FIA has prohibited the 350 kW boost button in low‑grip conditions and tightened straight‑line mode rules for safety, effective at the rain‑threatened Miami Grand Prix, while also raising tyre‑blanket temps and capping battery output.
Core summary The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council has banned the 350 kW boost button in low‑grip conditions, a rule that comes into force at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix. The move, part of a wider safety package that also raises tyre‑blanket temperatures and caps battery deployment, also tightens straight‑line mode usage.
Why it matters:
- Safety: Sudden torque spikes on a wet surface raise the risk of loss of control and crashes.
- Racing balance: Removing boost narrows performance gaps, putting driver skill front‑and‑center.
- Strategy shift: Teams must rely on pre‑programmed engine maps and tyre management rather than on‑the‑fly power bursts.
The details:
- Boost ban: The boost button delivering up to 350 kW is “inhibited and not allowed” in wet conditions; only preset energy maps remain.
- Straight‑line mode: Only partial activation of driver‑adjustable bodywork is permitted in designated low‑grip zones.
- Tyre blankets: Intermediate‑tyre blanket temperatures have been increased to improve grip when the track is damp.
- Battery limits: The FIA imposed stricter energy‑curve caps on maximum battery deployment to curb excessive power spikes.
What’s next:
- Teams will re‑work hybrid strategies, focusing on energy recovery and optimal engine maps for the wet.
- Drivers must modulate throttle inputs more carefully, as the extra push from boost is gone.
- Race control will monitor the 75 % rain forecast and may red‑flag the session if lightning is detected, following last year’s protocol.
Original Article :https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/fia-bans-f1-boost-mode-use-in-wet-weather/