F1 News: FIA Makes Wheel Change Ahead Of 2024 After Safety Concerns

The upgraded wheel is called MK2.

As part of an FIA initiative to enhance safety and prevent tires from detaching after collisions, wheel manufacturer BBS has reinforced the wheels for the 2024 F1 cars. This modification has resulted in improved resistance to impacts without altering the wheel design.

In recent years, there have been multiple instances of tires detaching from the rims following crash-induced damage. A notable incident occurred at the Brazilian Grand Prix last year, where a collision involving Alex Albon's Williams resulted in a loose tire that flew through the air, striking Daniel Ricciardo's AlphaTauri.

A notable focus for BBS, the official wheel supplier since 2022, has been the current rule era, marked by a shift to 18-inch wheels. This transition has highlighted the increased forces exerted on the larger rims during impacts compared to the older, smaller designs.

The enhanced rim was quietly introduced to select teams after the summer break of 2023 for performance testing. As the results met the required standards, the upgraded wheels will now be installed on all Formula 1 cars across the grid for 2024.

Speaking about the initiative, BBS told Motorsport.com:

"The background of the MK2 development is that compared to the era of 13-inch wheels, 18-inch wheels are subject to greater side impacts from the outer rim of the wheel, resulting in more frequent side impacts and resulting tyre loosening. 

“The development was initiated in response to a request from the FIA."

While the heightened strength does result in a slight increase in the weight of the rims, it's not just the wheels that have seen improvements. The properties of the wheel's paint have also been upgraded to adhere to higher standards. BBS added:

“MK2 has no change in spoke shape compared to MK1.

“Fatigue was not a problem with the original design, but the outer rim shape has been strengthened to better handle side impacts.

“The weight has only slightly increased, but the side impact resistance has more than doubled.

“Paint properties have also improved, but this is largely due to the company's own plant completed at BBS MS.

“MK1 and MK2 are coated using the same coating engineering technology, but by using the newest facility equipment, the company has been able to improve quality efficiency.” 

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