FIA launches tender for standard F1 box

After the 18-inch rims, the FIA ​​lifts another corner of the veil on the F1 of the future by launching a call for tenders for a supply of standard gearboxes from the 2021 season. The chosen candidate will have to ensure the production, delivery, and maintenance of the gearbox in question until the season 2024. 

« The aim of having a single supplier is to maintain current F1 performance levels of gear changes across all cars, all at a greatly reduced cost., explains the federal call for tenders, which also specifies that the number of speeds will drop from eight to seven. 

The FIA ​​also indicates that “ the external casing of the transmission will remain specific to the teams, that is to say that each competitor will have to design and produce their own, in order to allow the teams to maintain freedom of design in terms of the suspension and aerodynamic surfaces of the gearbox ». 

In fact, the decision to switch to a standard gearbox will make it more complicated to sell a complete rear axle (powertrain, transmission, and suspensions) to another team. This should in theory penalize teams like Toro Rosso et Haas/Alfa, which are supplied in this way from Red Bull et Ferrari respectively.

The call for tenders also contains information on the technical characteristics of the next F1 engines since there is mention of increased engine power with an MGU-K delivering an additional 30kW, which interested candidates will need to take into account before submitting their technical file with the FIA. The deadline for submission is March 15, 2019, while the federation will announce its choice between April 15 and 30, 2019.