F1 teams agree to delay 2021 rules package to 2022 season

F1

Formula 1's 2021 regulation changes will now be set for 2022 following a meeting of F1 team bosses

F1 2021 regulation car

The introduction of Formula 1’s new 2021 regulation changes will be delayed to 2022 as a result of the continued spread of coronavirus, with teams agreeing to use their 2020 chassis’ next season instead.

Following a meeting of F1 team bosses, it has been agreed that the long-awaited changes aimed at creating closer racing will be pushed back a year in order to ensure the changes are feasible, with teams currently operating under much uncertainty due to the pandemic.

A statement from the FIA confirmed the move, with teams agreeing to use their 2020 chassis for the 2021 season as well as the option to freeze components to further limit any financial impact.

“Following unanimous agreement between the FIA, Formula 1 and all teams, the implementation of the Technical Regulations due to take effect from the 2021 season will be postponed until 2022.

“All parties further discussed the current situation of the 2020 championship and how the sport will react to the ongoing challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the currently volatile financial situation this has created, it has been agreed that teams will use their 2020 chassis for 2021, with the potential freezing of further components to be discussed in due course.

“The introduction and implementation of the Financial Regulations will go ahead as planned in 2021, and discussions remain ongoing between the FIA, Formula 1 and all teams regarding further ways to make significant cost savings.

 

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“All teams expressed their support for the FIA and Formula 1 in their ongoing efforts to restructure the 2020 calendar as the global situation regarding COVID-19 develops.

“All of these commitments will be referred to the relevant governing structures for final ratification.”

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto made it known ahead of the meeting that Ferrari would be in favour of delaying the introduction of new rules, saying that a sensible decision should be made despite promising changes being brought about with the new regulations.

“We must carefully evaluate every aspect and see if it is not really the case to think about possibly postponing the introduction of the new 2021 technical rules,” he told F1.com.

“In any case, Ferrari is ready to take responsibility for a choice that must be made in the ultimate interest of this sport, it is certainly not the time for selfishness and tactics.”

Teams also agreed to fit as many races into the remaining calendar as possible once racing resumes.

The Dutch, Spanish and Monaco Grands Prix were the latest to be postponed due to the coronavirus situation, with June’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix now the earliest F1’s 2020 season could begin.

The FIA has also brought forward the summer break to March and April from its usual August spot in order to make room for potential rescheduled rounds, and teams have agreed to be more flexible with scheduling changes in the hopes of staging as many races as possible.

It now means that three extra weekends in August are free to host races, though it could make for brutal schedules for teams, with triple and quadruple headers a possibility.