F1 to introduce major rule change for 2024 season that should bring more excitement and could impact Max Verstappen

The 2024 Formula 1 season is upon us, and there is set to be a major rule change that should shake things up.

Last year was dominated by Red Bull, who won 21 of 22 races, with Max Verstappen cruising to the Drivers' Championship.

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But F1 chiefs are hopeful that a slight tweak could lead to much more exciting races, potentially weakening Verstappen and Red Bull's dominance.

What is the major rule change for F1 in 2024?

The FIA [Federation Internationale de l'Automobile] have decided to change the way the DRS [drag reduction system] will be operated.

At the moment, the DRS, which grants cars extra speed for a short period of time, can only be activated two laps after the start or restart.

This allows cars to establish a bit of a lead before the DRS can be used because drivers can only operate the system when they are within a second of another competitor.

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The FIA hope this will encourage more overtaking and would leave the leading car more vulnerable because they won't be able to use DRS.

This should lead to some more exciting races and, hopefully, different winners.

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Are there any other changes for the 2024 F1 season?

The F1 calendar is also expanding to 24 races, while each driver is allowed four power units across a season rather than three.

The FIA have also brought in changes to the Sprint race weekend.

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In 2023, the Sprint qualifying and race would all take place on Saturday, but that is changing this year.

Now, qualifying for the Sprint will be on Friday, with the sprint race taking place on Saturday, followed by actual qualifying for the Grand Prix.

This is to allow teams the option to change their car setup between the Sprint and qualifying.

There are set to be six Sprint weekends in 2024, taking place in China, Miami, Austria, Brazil, Las Vegas and Qatar.

2024 Sprint schedule

• Friday: Free Practice 1 and Sprint qualifying
• Saturday: Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying
• Sunday: Grand Prix