While we are here, I would like to discuss some of the changes for next season, the regulations will be properly written up during the off season, and nothing posted here is 100% final yet.
Retired Drivers
Now looking at the majority of drivers who pulled out this season, it is obvious that they have left with little money. If they were to return, they would instantly be at a disadvantage, even to a new driver. As such, drivers who are 'retired' will be given a $300 bonus for every full season missed. So those who left during Season 1 can get a $300 bonus if they returned in Season 3 (as they must miss all of season 2), $600 if they return in Season 4, $900 if they returned in Season 5, and the max $1000 if they returned in Season 6. They would not get bank.
The point here is that it is unfair to expect someone returning will be able to achieve much if they have $100 budget (as is the case with one driver). Now they can return in a few seasons, and be
closer to achieving what they want, but not to the point where missing a season and then coming back fully loaded.
Qualifying Rewards
I won't lie, this wasn't done fantastically this season. The given rewards will no doubt change numerous times over the next few seasons to be able to find a perfect balance, but currently I felt that there was too much to gain from qualifying, cash and track position, such that those taking more risk from further back were quickly overhauled in a few rounds due to a less trustworthy income model. So all qualifying rewards will be reduced, for drivers and teams, in both cash and who it is given to.
Test Drivers
We are still not at the point of allowing test drivers, and probably won't be until Season 3 now.
Chosen Tracks and Calendar
The series will be able to choose an amount of tracks for next season (probably around 7 or so). Monaco will not be eligible, but will return on a basis of probably once per real life year (so we'll say around every 4 seasons or so). There will be no restriction of an amount of tracks from a certain country, and only real life tracks will be chosen. No fictional tracks will be accepted.
Engine Maker "Guarantee"
Something that I have been playing around with is that if the defending engine champion (constructors) is below the median level (882.5 HP) in any of Race or Quali or both values, then they will receive an extra HP or two. Because winning the championship means they should have the experience etc. so it makes sense they wouldn't develop the worst engine of all time, it is slightly better than the worst
But they must be below the median, e.g.
R=884, Q=883 -> No boost
R=881, Q=882 -> boosted to R=882 and Q=883
R=883, Q=882 -> only quali boosted, to 883.
This is not final, at the moment I am deciding whether to open it up to the top 3 engines in which case it would not be a stacking buff (if the same engine was 2nd and 3rd, they wouldn't get numerous boost HP if under median).
This is just giving an extra little bit, free of charge, because I can recognise that it is rather unlikely to see an constructor/engine become completely useless. Also any constructor using the defending champ engine will be given this boost.
New Team Cash
This was something brought to my attention by a new manager, that the new teams are still only given $1000. Now some may disagree, fair enough, but this is not changing. I won't be allowing a new team to come in at the top financial mark. New teams in various motorsport categories would love to start with heaps of money and resources, but that doesn't happen. It won't happen here either.
If people can't agree with this, then I will allow new teams to start at $1500, then charge $500 to enter the series. Thus you start at $1000 anyway. But that is a last resort, and not something that will be actually added.
So there is the larger ideas that have been given some thought, and all will be made sure to be worded correctly in the regulations.
But in the meantime, the final season report will be on the way soon, not overly soon, but with the next few days hopefully.