Modifications to F1 2021, Ferrari engine affair: proceedings of the FIA ​​World Council

The big names of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) met at the World Council in Geneva (Switzerland) this Friday, March 6. Several decisions were taken on three files concerning the Formula 1, here's what you need to remember.

1. Changes for F1 2021

The technical revolution expected and hoped for by all enthusiasts in 2021 is not completely ready. Mention is made of a rather worrying (or reassuring, depending) addition to the 2021 regulations concerning the effectiveness of the aerodynamic simplification promised by the authorities.

« Changes to the front wing profiles (were taken in order) to prevent disruption of airflow which would have caused a severe compromise of the goal of allowing cars to follow each other more closely. » 

Between the lines, it therefore seems that the FIA ​​has spotted a flaw in the shape of the wings before 2021, while they are supposed to purify the flow of air along the single-seaters. 

In addition, the side pillars of the front and rear fins, the “upper part of the bodywork” (the engine cover) are modified in order to “give teams more commercial space”, for the sake of sponsor visibility.

In terms of safety, the chassis will benefit from “drastic improvements in energy absorption in the event of frontal, side and rear impacts. »

2. Support for Ferrari, reprimands others

The FIA ​​has been subjected for several days to an outcry from the majority of teams, exasperated by the nebulous agreement between Scuderia Ferrari and the federating body against the backdrop of the (il)legal 2019 engine. 

The World Council, for its part, expresses “unanimous support for the President of the FIA ​​(Jean Todt) and the FIA ​​Technical Department regarding their management of the Ferrari case, and firmly opposes comments that could destabilize the reputation and image of the FIA ​​and F1”. The position is clear.

3. Slightly overweight for F1 2020

This probably doesn't mean much to you, but the engineers are going to have to update their scales. In fact, the minimum weight of a car 2020 was relieved ofone extra kg to 746 kg “due to additions of new Power Unit control elements”.

In addition, the sporting regulations are modified to allow drivers to change the decoration of their helmet as many times as desired during the season. Finally, the post-GP tests in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of December will be contested with 18-inch Pirelli tires.