The FIA has confirmed that the proposed 2021 technical regulations won’t come in then but in 2022 due to COVID-19 outbreak, although cost cap will come as scheduled.
Earlier this year, a total of nine F1 teams proposed a delay of the 2021 regulations to 2022, with Ferrari not in support – although it agreed to it now. The proposal was made because the COVID-19 virus was looking to become a roadblock in terms of development.
The virus outbreak has forced most F1 teams to pump the brakes on production as it continues to rage through the world. The shutdown has already been brought forward to March/April from its August date, so that they can stages races then.
This will put more pressure on all the F1 teams and preparing for 2021 will be a huge task alongside 2020 work. The crunch meeting took place earlier in the day with all the 10 outfits taking a unanimous decision along with Liberty Media and the FIA.
The 2020 chassis will be used in 2021 but there will be several clampdowns which will be discussed and announced at a later stage. The push to 2022 is only for the technical regulations as the financial part remains the same with cost cap coming in.
Full statement from FIA:
“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.
“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.”
Here’s full details of the 2021 F1 Cost Cap
Here’s confirmation on Dutch, Spain and Monaco F1 races
Here’s the latest from Vietnam GP about tickets
Here’s news on early F1 shutdown
Here’s Chase Carey apologising F1 fans
The article was co-written by Duncan Leahy