In order to reduce costs, teams have limitations on the engines to be used in a season, but not only that. This also applies to gearboxes or batteries, for example.
In 2023, engines are composed of several elements in a “powertrain”: the internal combustion engine (ICE), the turbocharger, the kinetic energy recovery system (MGU-K), and the thermal energy recovery system (MGU-H).
All these elements are limited to three out of the 23 races of the 2023 season. In case new elements are used, penalties were planned, and as we could see last year, it made understanding the starting grid very difficult.
In order to allow for greater flexibility, all teams and the FIA have agreed to have an additional component for each powertrain element.
The statement explains: « Proposals aimed at increasing the number of components in the power unit were discussed during the meeting, with the approval to increase the number of internal combustion engine (ICE) elements, turbocharger, MGU-H, and MGU-K from three (3) to four (4) for 2023 only. »
Note that the other components that are subject to limitations, including the battery, exhaust or ECU unit, are not concerned.
The technical and sporting regulations have therefore been modified accordingly and will also apply to the next season.
After only three races this season, some teams had already used two components for the engine block. This was the case for Ferrari with Sainz and Leclerc, making them susceptible to sanctions. It is also the case for Lando Norris on McLaren or Nyck de Vries on AlphaTauri.
This new allowance therefore allows these drivers to breathe a little more.
