My Formula 1 System

There were a total of fifteen detailed changes listed for the new structure, all set to be enacted as soon as possible before the new season began.

Luca couldn't fully comprehend what he had heard on gala night, his mind replaying the words and the impact they would have, not only on the track but beyond it, nationwide and worldwide.

There were three major changes out of the fifteen that stood out because they were more stirring than the others.

The first was the Seasonal Schedule Modification, where the FIA declared that the traditional race calendar would be restructured to feature more rounds and more races than ever before.

The aim was to elevate competition to a level never seen in the sport's history and to truly test the mental and physical limits of every driver on the grid, with the number of rounds now set to average 20 instead of 12, 13, or 14.

That meant that each season from now on, there would be 19, 20, 21, or 22 rounds, depending on the schedule. However, 12, 13, or 14 was out of the question.

The new structure would demand more than skill, it would demand absolute resilience.

Every driver, from Formula 3 to Formula 1, would face an extended season spanning nearly the entire calendar year, leaving barely any breathing room between races, as there might be two or even three races in a single month.

Luca wondered how many circuits would host all these races, which led to the next major alteration.

Global Expansion it was called.

The FIA wasn't satisfied with their races every season not touching different parts and countries of the world, thereby not really giving complete essence to the title "Formula 1 or 2 World Champion."

They explained that while Formula racing had long been regarded as a global sport, the reality was that many regions had been left out, either due to logistical challenges, financial constraints, or historical precedence favoring a select group of circuits.

This was about to change.

For the first time in history, every continent would host at least one Grand Prix, ensuring that the World Championship title truly reflected its name.

Formula racing would not only be focused on Europe as it had been but would take the stage of every continent. Whether Asia or even Africa, at least one country must host a Grand Prix within that 20-average rounds.

On the stage, they assured everyone that new circuits were already under development at chosen cities, and long-forgotten tracks were being revived to meet modern regulatory standards.

Additionally, legendary circuits like Mandalora would receive reconstruction, enlarging its seating capacity because it was now official that the Spanish Grand Prix was one of the most spectated.

With time, other circuits would receive expansions as well. While previously overlooked or abandoned, they were now prime candidates for the expanded calendar to fill in the rounds.

Even though Luca was overwhelmed by the announcement, he still found it intriguing and began imagining himself racing in the heart of a continent like Africa, tackling old high-altitude circuits in South America, speeding through never-before-seen street layouts in bustling cities across Asia.

It was going to be great! The possibilities were endless, and the sheer scale of the expansion was unlike anything the sport had attempted before.

The FIA were practically gambling right now because if this turned out bad, it'd be a heavy blow to their status as the best sport in the world.

Surely, with such expansion, new challenges would surface.

Weather problems of varying climates, altitude, local regulations, cultural shifts of different countries... many challenges.

Luca reckoned if they were going to take a huge step like this, then they must have studied the ground where their foot would stomp.

The two changes were nothing as risky compared to the third. The third was completely toying with fate and would either elevate the sport to unimaginable heights or plunge it into chaos.

The moment it was announced, there was a shift in the room and a drop in temperature. This was the only one that came with severe consequences far greater than losing the ranking of being the number one sport.

At that moment, Luca began to find sense in Dan's words back then on the yacht. And he was grateful, because it let him take in the announcement with less surprise than he was supposed to.

The third structural alteration was termed The Unrestricted Power Era.

Formula racing had always been about pushing the limits, but now—there would be no limit—in a figurative manner.

The FIA had decided to slightly unshackle the engines, lifting the strict efficiency regulations that had kept the monstrous power of the past under control.

The new generation of engines would be faster, louder, and infinitely more dangerous. The new generation of engines already existed, they just had never been used due to the current regulations—or rather, past regulations now.

In essence, while widespread hybrid engines such as B-level engines—like SomberCore and Pyrocrank—and A-level engines—like Warpburner of Red Bull, Rotterbad of Renault, and ThunderKat of Ferrari—would still be in use, a new tier of engines had been introduced.

These newly approved S-level engines were significantly more advanced and costly, pushing the boundaries of what was previously permitted in Formula racing.

They were titled High-Intensity Combustion Engines (HiCE), worth over 2 billion dollars for just one prototype, when an A-level engine was worth around a hundred million or two hundred million.

Their cost of production wasn't the only distinction. The primary difference between High-Intensity Combustion Engines and Hybrid Engines lay in their power output, fuel efficiency, and risk factor.

Hybrid engines prioritize a balance between power and sustainability, utilizing electrified components to enhance acceleration while improving fuel efficiency.

They rely on Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) to convert waste energy into additional power.

On the other hand, High-Intensity Combustion Engines (S-level) push raw combustion efficiency to its limits, operating at dangerously high temperatures and pressures.

They eliminate or significantly reduce hybrid elements, relying instead on extreme internal combustion advancements to extract unmatched horsepower at the cost of greater wear, volatility, and safety concerns.

At least, this was what was explained on the night of the gala.

Luca heard murmurs that the FIA "had finally allowed it."

After asking around, he realized that HiCE had been repeatedly petitioned to the FIA by various teams, only to be shut down every time on the grounds of being too dangerous.

Had something changed? Were they somehow less dangerous now?

Luca couldn't tell what chassis technology from his father's racing generation—when the petition first began—to now could possibly keep these beasts of engines in check.

And now, he was starting to realize just how much this would shake up the competition. Some teams would definitely lack the funds to push their engine manufacturers into developing High-Intensity Combustion Engines and would be forced to stick with their A-level engines for the season.
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Meanwhile, the few teams that could afford them would hold a clear upper hand, simply because of the sheer efficiency and raw power of these engines.

Luca's heart pounded as he recalled Ansel's words about skill meaning nothing in F1 if you didn't have the right car and technology.

Back at the gala night, Luca stole a glance at Rodnick, curious about his reaction to the announcement, but the guy looked relaxed. Unbothered.

Ferrari. Of course.

A rich team. Jackson Racing. They would definitely have no trouble affording this new change.

A sense of concern swelled in Luca's chest as he began to gauge Outback's financial heights, and whether they could even stand a chance.