Lewis Hamilton of McLaren-Mercedes may have started the new season with a convincing victory at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday March 17, but the talking point is the impact of this season's regulation changes.
The sport's technical and sporting regulations have been amended to varying degrees each year in the modern era. Perhaps this year's changes led to several incidents on the Albert Park track and they may play a significant role in the championship.
The loss of traction control and engine braking (which effects the rear brakes) from last year has made the cars more challenging to drive. This was apparent in the season opener where plenty of drivers struck trouble. Only 7 of the 22 starters completed the 58 laps.
Changes to regulations by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) are not uncommon. The purpose behind these changes varies from enhancing the spectacle to cost-cutting to technical advancements.
One such advancement is the FIA's aim to impose regulations that will force engineers to gain power through making better use of energy.
Formula One is therefore going green as part of a more environmentally-friendly future.
FIA, the governing body of world motor sport, continues to work in partnership with policymakers in the car industry to develop solutions that are relevant to road users.
From 2009 each F1 car will use a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS). This mechanical system will recover and store a moving vehicle's kinetic energy that is otherwise wasted when the vehicle decelerates. It will also boost acceleration.
At the Geneva Motor Show on March 11, FIA president Max Mosley outlined his vision for F1's future and its move to hybrid vehicles in 2009.
"This hybrid device [KERS] is set to revolutionise Formula One. It will make the sport at once more environmentally friendly, road-relevant and at the cutting edge of future automotive technology.
"The development of engines has been frozen, meaning that extra power can only be gained by making better use of energy or by getting more useful work from the fuel burned," Mr Mosley said.
The fuel used in F1 at the moment is refined for performance and the cars use a considerable amount – more than five times as much as a regular passenger car. To address this, F1 manufacturers are discussing the use of biofuel in the future, which was introduced to the A1 Grand Prix series earlier this year.
The FIA oversees many campaigns that include safety. The Make Cars Green Campaign is another way that they aim to reduce the impact of motoring on the environment.
With the support of Bridgestone, F1's sole tyre supplier, the campaign forms part of the FIA's ongoing commitment.
Honda Racing F1 has also been proactive in raising awareness for a greener future. The "earthdreams" concept was introduced in 2007 and Honda has so far committed over $US1.2 million ($AU1.3 million) to various environmental initiatives. This is also supported by the "earthdreams" theme of their F1 racing car.
The sport's trademark extravagance is part of its appeal, but it is well aware of its responsibilities.
In a way, F1 is finding its purpose, when in the past its contribution to technological advancement was less tangible. The energy saving and performance technology being developed could eventually find its way down to road users the world over, making the sport relevant as well as a form of entertainment.
The championship continues this weekend at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.
Feeds