F1 teams must adopt new wheel locking system by Singapore

[John S]

Saves runaway wheels in pits, some ran change at Spa.

I don't recall any of the broadcasters or usual wise heads discussing this upcoming tech regulation during Spa race coverage.  We did hear about Red Bull's proposed changes, to wheel gun and pit procedures, loud and clear though before Hungary. 

Did the FIA forget to give out press releases about the new wheel retaining reg amendment, or did all the press and broadcast guys n gals just ignore it ? 

Well thanks to the good folk at The F1 Times we can at least be aware of what teams are working towards.  

Formula 1 teams will debut a new wheel locking system from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards in an effort to avoid instances such as that of Mark Webber in Germany when his tyre came free and struck an FOM cameraman.

The FIA has enforced a regulation amendment which comes in to force in Singapore in a three-weeks time, which stipulates that teams must adopt a new retention system which ensures the wheel cannot come free even if the nut itself isn't fitted correctly.

Article 14.7 of the technical regulations states: "All cars, whilst under their own power, must be fitted with devices which will retain the wheel fastener in the event of it coming loose."

The teams have been aware of the regulation change for a couple of weeks now and have been working on the new system since - though none have yet raced with it.

McLaren tested their device on Friday in Belgium and sporting director Sam Michael says they'll try it again in Italy.

"We tried it on the car on Friday and we will probably put it on the car for Friday at Monza as well," he confirmed.

"It is a little bit different and, when you are operating with pitstops around two seconds in length, the most marginal things can make a big difference.

"Just a tiny change to the design can really disturb the mechanics and their whole routine."

F1times.co.uk, Today.

[Jericoke]

I'm not schooled in mechanics/physics...

would it be possible to use a clip design, instead of a nut design to hold on an F1 wheel?

It would be much faster, and with far less risk of it going on wrong.  (Obviously not a zero risk... anything has some risk, right?)

[Willy]

Jeri I think that you have the correct train of thinking going on...that a different form of mechanical fastener is required to hold the wheels other then the wheel nut.
The issue I see with a clip is you would never know which direction it would be facing when it arrived at your pit when the wheel guys are trying to unlock it fast.
Something better or more foolproof is required then is currently in use.