2009 Formula One Rule Changes (Compiled and Commented)

FIA Formula One Logo

Hi, been really busy again with studies and all, college starts again. So today i just wanted to update myself on the formula one rule changes that shall be effective 2009. Most regulations are cost cutting and aim to make the sport of formula one a little slower and less interesting (Except KERS).

McLaren 2009 rules car with new wings

Most of the new features may be observed on the car above :)

1. Slick Tyres : The 2009 season will see the normal grooved tyres being replaced by slick tyres. The slicks would offer better grip (20% according to F1′s official website) and this gain would be neutralised by the fact that aerodynamic regulations have also changed which will result in vastly reduced downforce.

2. New Engine Regulations : The number of revolutions in formula one engines is set to be reduced from 19000 rpm to 18000 rpm which should help preserve the engine. Also the number of races an engine must last is now 3 instead of the earlier 2. Also the Renault team has been allowed to upgrade their engine for the 2009 season so that their power output is able to match upto the other teams.

3. Testing Schedule : No testing will be allowed during the season.

4. Aerodynamics – These are the changes most drivers and teams have opposed. The size of both the rear wings and the front wings has changed.

Front Wing : -

Height : (75mm from 150mm)

Width : (up from 1400 to 1800mm)

Rear Wing : -

Width : (750mm from 1000mm)

Height has been increased by 150 mm.

The back diffuser has been made longer, higher and moved further backwards.

5. KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) – Also known as regenerative braking (I think), this is an optional component in cars. It stores the energy wasted via braking (Kinetic Energy wasted) either as potential energy, or electrical energy in a battery. This energy is then available to the driver via a boost or a turbo button and can be used for seven seconds on a lap.

Thats all at the moment, whats posted above is my understanding of the rule changes. Please correct me if i am wrong.

Photo : Vtornet , CC SA 2.0 License



Thank you for reading this post. You can now Read Comments (4) or Leave A Trackback.

4 Responses to “2009 Formula One Rule Changes (Compiled and Commented)

  • 1
    Christine
    January 12th, 2009 21:27

    Odd about Renault, isn’t it?

    I understand that they may have felt the engine was lacking performance towards the end of the year, but they did win two races… and it surprises me the other teams are happy about any preferential treatment.

  • 2
    Robin
    January 13th, 2009 17:52

    That’s not the new McLaren car though is it?

  • 3
    Formula One Addict
    January 13th, 2009 18:42

    @Christine – Yeah, if Renault were competitive, they shouldnt have been allowed an engine change, but i guess technically their engine output was lesser than others.

    @Robin – Thats the MP4-23 , it has the 2009 dimension front wings, not sure about the other parts. The McLaren media area didnt have new photos when i had last checked, hence i had to rely on this CCSA image.

  • 4
    smita shekar
    February 3rd, 2009 17:09

    I feel KERS adds a new dimension to Formula1 , in that, it could be applied for present day on-road cars as well..leave alone it being enviroment friendly! Want to comment?



Leave a Reply

Note: Any comments are permitted only because the site owner is letting you post, and any comments will be removed for any reason at the absolute discretion of the site owner.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.