Formula 1’s wheel provider BBS has detailed the measures taken with its F1 wheel redesign to improve safety.
BBS introduced the new 18-inch wheel rims ahead of the 2022 season, as the sole provider across all 10 teams.
However, along with challenges such as reduced visibility for the drivers, coping with a smaller sidewall on the tyres and the increased weight, an unwanted side effect of increasing the wheel rim diameter from 13 inches to 18 is the heightened exposure to side-on impacts.
After incidents of tyres coming free from wheel rims, BBS told Motorsport.com that redevelopment was set in motion “in response to a request from the FIA.
“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,” 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.”
In open-wheel racing, safety regarding the exposed tyre/wheel combination is paramount and cause for the constant evolution of wheel tethers and wheel design regarding strength and durability.
The MK2 18-inch wheel could have a lifespan limited to just two years as the chassis regulations currently being discussed for the 2026 season and beyond could mandate another change in wheel design.
As part of the FIA and F1’s overall mission to reduce the weight of the cars in 2026, there’s potential for the 18-inch wheel to be downsized to a 16-inch wheel, which could further mitigate safety concerns regarding side-on impacts, along with improving driver visibility.
