2018 F1 Regulations

The Halo Arrives

The halo, a titanium bar over the cockpit, became mandatory in 2018 and added around 7 kg to the car, with the minimum weight rising by roughly 5 to 6 kg. The FIA also banned T-wings and shark-fin engine covers, cut each driver's allocation from four power units to three for the season, and simplified the grid penalty rules so that a penalty of 15 places or more meant starting from the back of the grid.

Typical Engine

Configuration

Capacity

1.6L

Aspiration

Turbo-Hybrid

Power

~950 to 1000 hp (reports vary)

Mercedes M09 EQ Power+Ferrari 062 EVORenault R.E.18Honda RA618H

What Changed

Cockpit Protection

Before

Open cockpit

After

Mandatory halo (~7 kg)

Minimum Weight

Before

728 kg

After

~733 kg

T-wings and Shark Fins

Before

Allowed

After

Banned

Power Units per Driver

Before

4 per season

After

3 per season

Impact on Racing

Many fans disliked how the halo looked at first, but the criticism faded quickly as its value became clear
Its worth was shown in the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix start crash and again in Romain Grosjean's fireball crash at Bahrain in 2020
Three power units per season made reliability and engine management a bigger part of the weekend

What changed in the 2018 F1 regulations?

The halo, a titanium bar over the cockpit, became mandatory in 2018 and added around 7 kg to the car, with the minimum weight rising by roughly 5 to 6 kg. Key changes: Cockpit Protection: Open cockpit to Mandatory halo (~7 kg); Minimum Weight: 728 kg to ~733 kg; T-wings and Shark Fins: Allowed to Banned; Power Units per Driver: 4 per season to 3 per season.

How did the 2018 regulations affect racing?

Many fans disliked how the halo looked at first, but the criticism faded quickly as its value became clear. Its worth was shown in the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix start crash and again in Romain Grosjean's fireball crash at Bahrain in 2020. Three power units per season made reliability and engine management a bigger part of the weekend.

What engines did F1 cars use under the 2018 rules?

V6, 1.6L, Turbo-Hybrid, around ~950 to 1000 hp (reports vary). Notable engines: Mercedes M09 EQ Power+, Ferrari 062 EVO, Renault R.E.18, Honda RA618H.