F1 2017 Race Schedule - A Season of Excitement

The 2017 Formula One season is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly awaiting the first race of the year. The Australian GP will kick off the season, marking the beginning of a thrilling 20-race journey around the world. For those who have been following F1 closely, this season promises to be an exciting one with several significant changes taking place.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of new rules regarding driver helmet designs. Drivers are now allowed to change their helmets during the season if they switch teams mid-season. This move aims to improve recognition and make it easier for fans to identify drivers on track.

Another major change is the revised approach to safety car procedures in wet conditions. In 2017, if a safety car is deployed at the start of the race due to wet weather, the process will now involve the car returning to the pits before the grid assembles again. This modification aims to reduce delays and ensure a smoother restart.

As for driver regulations, they are expected to maintain the same helmet design throughout the season, with the option to use a special livery for each race. In addition, drivers must adhere to strict guidelines regarding engine parts, dimensions, and materials used, which will continue into the 2018 season.

The weight of F1 cars has also undergone changes, with the minimum weight set at 722 kilograms (excluding tyres). The rear wing now extends ahead of the rear wheel axle line, while the maximum height of F1 cars has been increased to 800mm. The front wing span has expanded from 1650mm to 1800mm, resulting in a wider overall width for the car.

Tyre sizes have also undergone significant changes, with rear tyres now measuring 405mm (up from 325mm) and front tyres raised from 245mm to 305mm. This increase in tyre size will result in faster lap times but make it physically more challenging to drive at high speeds, particularly on turns.

The biggest mechanical changes for the 2017 season cars can be seen in the centre body work and tyres. The wider centre body and tyres will help boost downforce and grip, making F1 cars even faster.

Overall, the 2017 Formula One season promises to be an exciting one with several significant changes taking place. With these modifications, drivers and teams are expecting a reduction of lap times by about 3-5 seconds. Get ready for an action-packed year of racing!

F1 2017 race schedule