Grosjean details the GPDA's four-point project for 2021

Director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) for two years, Romain Grosjean is actively involved in the major questions that define sport and its future for 2021. While the writing of the new rules of the game must be concluded by the end of October, the players on the board have recently become involved in discussions. 

Ahead of the German Grand Prix, Grosjean took part in a 2021 meeting in Geneva where he represented the interest of the drivers alongside Sebastian Vettel, who also holds a director role within the GPDA. 

« We have four main points we want to address, declared Grosjean in the Hockenheim paddock. They were validated and adopted by the majority by all pilots. These four areas are first the tires, then aerodynamics, then the mass of the cars, and finally the income disparity between the teams. If we solve these four points, the competition will be damn good! »

Two weeks ago at Silverstone, the leaders of the F1 have drawn up a progress report on the measures already almost approved for 2021 and the solutions still under study. On the tire issue, it was recognized that the philosophy which consists of having rubbers which degrade a lot was undoubtedly not the best.

In terms of aerodynamics, we should find increased ground effect on future cars whose sculpted flat bottom will generate more downforce. Finally, in terms of avenues for reflection around the mass of vehicles, a return to gasoline refueling, banned since the 2010 season, is more than ever on the table. Grosjean also affirms that the GPDA would be in favor of such a decision. 

« We want it, not because it will improve the show per se but because we need to reduce the weight of the cars and help Pirelli, added the pilot Haas. This is a temporary solution that would allow you to gain 60-70 kilos. This is why tires are overheating so much these days.

When I started in F1 in 2019, the cars weighed 605 kilos, now they weigh more than 740 on the scale. A difference of 140 kilos, you feel it. In the slow sections, the cars are very heavy. And I'm not talking about the departure where the car makes 850 kilos with gasoline. We have the feeling that it is too much for an F1 ». 

An argument that does not lack weight.