F1 News: Huge Changes Coming To Cars For Silverstone Weekend

Formula 1 cars are being prepped for better wet performance ahead of the British GP.

One of the biggest challenges about racing in the wet is the huge amount of spray the F1 cars throw as a result of their designs. On several occasions, this has resulted in situations where the FIA has had to stop races or delay their start. 

For example, last year's Monaco Grand Prix was delayed due to a rainstorm whereas the Japanese Grand Prix saw two laps of the race behind a safety car before the race was red-flagged. A similar scene occurred at the Belgian Grand Prix in 2021 where the race was cut short due to weather conditions after two laps behind the safety car. 

To deal with the spray problem, Formula 1 teams have introduced a bolt-on wheel cover that could help reduce the spray in wet conditions. The Mercedes and McLaren teams will test the device at Silverstone for effectiveness on Thursday after the tire tests. 

The teams will also get a chance to test the practical aspect of the device and if it hinders the tire-swapping process during pit stops. While rain has played spoilsport on several occasions, it would be interesting to see if the bolt-on-wheel cover actually makes a good enough difference to keep the race going in bad weather.

Safety in wet conditions has become a concern again after Formula Regional driver Dilano van 't Hoff passed away in a collision at Spa-Francorchamps in heavy rain last week.