The 2021 technical revolution will wait until 2022

In times of crisis, teams of Formula 1 know how to demonstrate unanimity. After having brought forward and extended the compulsory closure of their factory to allow a calendar already turned upside down due to the Coronavirus to be reshaped, the teams voted this Thursday in favor of a one-year postponement of the 2021 technical regulations. However, it seems that the decision regarding the format of the 2021 rims has not yet been decided.

Presented at the end of 2019 in Austin, the new specifications provide for the introduction of single-seaters with profoundly revised and simplified aerodynamics with the aim of offering an increased spectacle on the track with cars capable of following each other more easily. It also provides for the arrival of 18-inch tires, as well as a standardization of numerous elements with a view to reducing costs.

We will now have to wait until 2022 to see this F1 of the future in action, hoping that the manufacturers involved are still present after having suffered the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Meeting with FIA and FOM officials via videoconference, the teams also agreed to continue using their 2020 chassis in 2021 in a bid to reduce costs. Discussions are also continuing to find out which components could be frozen in their development.

“Good” news for some: the budget cap of 175 million dollars (164 million euros) and the accompanying financial regulations will still come into force from next season. Several structures in the middle of the grid were indeed worried to see the 3 big cars – Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull – spend lavishly with a view to 2021 before the introduction of budgetary limits.