Gearboxes will not be subject to standardization in 2021

Standardization seems to be a hobby horse for the FIA ​​and the F1 since the beginning of 2019, with a view to reducing costs, with several calls for tenders launched for different elements, the latest concerning several parts of the fuel system.

Another call for tenders was initiated in February for a standardized gearbox, but the federation confirmed this Friday on the sidelines of the Monaco Grand Prix that the gearboxes will ultimately remain “free”, without a single supplier, from 2021, a season where an upheaval of the general technical regulations of F1 is expected.

“Following a detailed analysis by the FIA ​​Technical Department of submissions to a tender launched on 18 February 2019 for the sole supply of the gearbox for the FIA ​​Formula 1 World Championship from 2021, the World Motor Sport Council accepted by majority the recommendation not to appoint a single supplier for this component, specifies the FIA.

The Council's decision was taken following examination of the technical and financial information provided by the teams and suppliers. Technical data revealed that gearbox technology in F1 had largely converged and, as a result, performance differentiation was low at the moment.

It was also noted that, due to the complexity of the components, gearboxes remained a sensitive subject in terms of reliability, which was taken into account in the FIA ​​technical department's assessments.

Regarding the financial implications of the tender process, detailed data was requested from competitors and a number of teams operating different business models provided the FIA ​​with relevant information.

The analysis found that similar financial savings could be achieved through means other than single sourcing. These methods are currently being discussed with Formula 1 teams and will be included in the regulations which will be presented by the end of June. »