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FIA Approves New F1 Cost Cap, Aero Testing Rules For 2021
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The FIA has approved a new, reduced cost cap for F1 teams and a new sliding scale rule for aerodynamic testing after a vote of the World Motor Sport Council on Wednesday.
A cost cap had already been agreed by the teams and the sport's governing body, but after Wednesday's vote, the cap for 2021 will be lowered from the original figure of $175m per year to $145m, with further reductions in the following years.
The new, reduced cap has been brought in as a response to the coronavirus pandemic that has delayed the start of the 2020 F1 season, which has in turn had a serious effect on the finances of the teams.
The FIA also announced a brand new sliding scale for aerodynamic development, which is also set to be brought in for 2021.
Under the agreement, the lower a team finishes in the constructors' championship, the more wind tunnel time it will be allowed to use to develop the car the following year.
The move is designed to allow the field to close up, and prevent bigger teams from gaining too much of an advantage over those with fewer resources.
The FIA has also approved a measure to limit downforce on the 2021 cars. With key parts of the cars – such as the chassis and suspension – staying fixed from 2020 to 2021, the new rule means teams will have to trim part of the floor to reduce the downforce created, largely so a new tire compound will not be needed for next season, before a switch to 18-inch tires in 2022.
There were also a number of other tweaks in the pursuit of cutting costs and promoting sustainability. These include:
For more information, visit formula1.com.
A cost cap had already been agreed by the teams and the sport's governing body, but after Wednesday's vote, the cap for 2021 will be lowered from the original figure of $175m per year to $145m, with further reductions in the following years.
The new, reduced cap has been brought in as a response to the coronavirus pandemic that has delayed the start of the 2020 F1 season, which has in turn had a serious effect on the finances of the teams.
The FIA also announced a brand new sliding scale for aerodynamic development, which is also set to be brought in for 2021.
Under the agreement, the lower a team finishes in the constructors' championship, the more wind tunnel time it will be allowed to use to develop the car the following year.
The move is designed to allow the field to close up, and prevent bigger teams from gaining too much of an advantage over those with fewer resources.
The FIA has also approved a measure to limit downforce on the 2021 cars. With key parts of the cars – such as the chassis and suspension – staying fixed from 2020 to 2021, the new rule means teams will have to trim part of the floor to reduce the downforce created, largely so a new tire compound will not be needed for next season, before a switch to 18-inch tires in 2022.
There were also a number of other tweaks in the pursuit of cutting costs and promoting sustainability. These include:
- A number of components including the chassis and gearbox have been frozen between 2020 and 2021. A token system will be used to allow a very limited number of modifications, such as McLaren needing to make changes to accommodate a switch to Mercedes power.
- From next season, there will be a limitation on the number of upgrades a power unit manufacturer can do over the course of a season.
- For 2021, the minimum weight increases by 3kg to 749kg.
- Provisions can be made for "open" and "closed" events in 2020, in response to the coronavirus pandemic which makes holding mass gatherings challenging.
For more information, visit formula1.com.
