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This is a working note for tracking the big F1 rules changes that actually reset the field vs the smaller changes that mostly reshape strategy, setup, or weekend flow.

The goal is to have a quick timeline for “new era” seasons, and a place to dump references when I want to compare how disruptive different regulation cycles really were.

Related: WRC

Major & Minor F1 Rule “Resets” (by season) §

Definition used here

• Major reset = a new technical “era” where teams effectively redesign from first principles (engine formula change, big chassis/aero philosophy shift, major car geometry/tyre architecture overhaul).
• Minor reset = big but not era-defining changes (sporting format shocks, major aero trims, refuelling ban, cost cap, DRS introduction, halo, tyre supplier changes, etc.).

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Table of rule resets §

Year	Major/Minor	Primary area	What changed (why it matters)	Sources
1950	Minor	Sporting/Technical baseline	World Championship begins; early baseline regs and evolution starts.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Formula_One_regulations
1952	Major	Technical	Championship run to Formula Two specs (big concept shift vs prior F1 rules).	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Formula_One_regulations
1954	Major	Power unit	New engine formula (2.5L NA / 0.75L supercharged).	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Formula_One_regulations
1961	Major	Power unit	New engine formula (1.5L NA era) and associated packaging changes.	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-key-regulation-changes-in-f1-history-and-the-teams-that-nailed-them.2iq8c5E6S1HOffT5PBLl6i
1966	Major	Power unit	New engine formula (3.0L NA / 1.5L supercharged).	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Formula_One_regulations
1983	Major	Aero/Chassis	Ground effect effectively outlawed with flat-bottom requirement (aero philosophy reset).	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-key-regulation-changes-in-f1-history-and-the-teams-that-nailed-them.2iq8c5E6S1HOffT5PBLl6i
1989	Major	Power unit	Turbo engines banned (end of turbo era).	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-key-regulation-changes-in-f1-history-and-the-teams-that-nailed-them.2iq8c5E6S1HOffT5PBLl6i
1994	Major	Tech + Sporting	Driver aids restricted/banned (e.g., active systems) + refuelling return era dynamics (car + ops reset).	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-key-regulation-changes-in-f1-history-and-the-teams-that-nailed-them.2iq8c5E6S1HOffT5PBLl6i
1998	Major	Chassis/Tyres	Narrower cars + grooved tyres (big grip & concept reset).	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-key-regulation-changes-in-f1-history-and-the-teams-that-nailed-them.2iq8c5E6S1HOffT5PBLl6i
2005	Minor	Tyres/Engines	One-set tyre rule (no changes in race) + durability pressure (major strategic/engineering shock).	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Formula_One_World_Championship
2006	Major	Power unit	New engine formula (2.4L V8 era begins).	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One_regulations
2009	Major	Aero/Tyres/Hybrid	Big aero overhaul + slick tyres return + KERS allowed (concept reset).	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-key-regulation-changes-in-f1-history-and-the-teams-that-nailed-them.2iq8c5E6S1HOffT5PBLl6i
2010	Minor	Sporting/Tech	Refuelling banned (strategy + car packaging change; not a new technical era).	(General overview) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One_regulations
2011	Minor	Overtaking/Tech + Tyres	DRS introduced (racecraft tool changes overtaking dynamics). Also Pirelli becomes sole supplier (tyre behavior reset).	DRS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_reduction_system • Pirelli: https://press.pirelli.com/pirelli-confirmed-as-exclusive-formula-one-tyre-supplier-from-2011/
2014	Major	Power unit	1.6L V6 turbo-hybrid era (PU architecture reset: ERS, fuel flow limits, etc.).	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-key-regulation-changes-in-f1-history-and-the-teams-that-nailed-them.2iq8c5E6S1HOffT5PBLl6i
2017	Major	Chassis/Aero	Bigger/wider cars + higher aero load (geometry + performance reset).	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-key-regulation-changes-in-f1-history-and-the-teams-that-nailed-them.2iq8c5E6S1HOffT5PBLl6i
2018	Minor	Safety	Halo mandated (safety step; modest performance/packaging impacts).	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/halo-protection-system-to-be-introduced-for-2018.2jhITmhSiwkKwOAWOG0UM6
2019	Minor	Aero	Front/rear wing simplification rules to aid following (aero “reset-lite”).	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/f1-rules-and-regulations-what%27s-new-for-2019.2DIt7TEs9YqI8IY6mEcwsM
2021	Minor	Financial + Aero + Sporting	Cost cap era begins + notable aero floor cuts (big competitive/ops shift). Also Sprint format introduced (weekend structure reset).	Sprint: https://www.espn.com/auto/story/_/id/42000222/how-do-f1-sprint-races-work-format-qualifying-more • 2021 regs overview: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/aero-tweaks-new-tyres-and-the-cost-cap-the-2021-f1-rules-and-regulation.r1cq36aI6bvzMeZtiFru3
2022	Major	Chassis/Aero	Ground-effect era returns (major aero philosophy + 18” wheels; big packaging reset).	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Formula_One_regulations
2023	Minor	Aero/Sporting	Anti-porpoising follow-ups + Sprint weekend format evolves (continuation, not a new era).	Sprint overview (context): https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-beginners-guide-to-the-f1-sprint.55yJBEiF7vYkZEwSV9lZJ9
2024	Minor	Sporting	Sprint weekend format tweaked (Sprint Qualifying timing changes).	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-beginners-guide-to-the-f1-sprint.55yJBEiF7vYkZEwSV9lZJ9
2026	Major	Power unit + Chassis/Aero + Overtaking tools	Full-package reset: new PU rules + new cars; Active Aero effectively replaces DRS “as we know it” (with new modes like Overtake/Corner/Straight concepts).	https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-f1-rules-for-2026.48bv0VTxhIlhrQXmxercXk • DRS timeline: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_reduction_system