Formula One postpones 2021 regulation overhaul

Formula One’s governing body, the FIA has confirmed that the sport agreed to delay the technical regulation overhaul for 2021 until 2022 due to the ongoing coronavirus crises.

Formula One was set to introduce a set of sweeping changes to the technical regulation for 2021, but the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak forced the sport to alter its plans. Following meetings between the Commercial Rights’ Holder, the FIA and the teams, it has been unanimously decided that the introduction of the revolutionary technical changes is delayed 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, “ read the statement.

The planned changes would have also affected the financial side of the sport with the introduction of a financial cap. Despite the delay of the alterations to the technical regulations, the financial limit has not been postponed with the sport working on further ways to save costs as it expects economic issues in the aftermath of the epidemic.

“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.”

Meanwhile, in order to sort of save the 2020 season, the summer shutdown that is usually scheduled in July and August has been moved forward to March and April and extending it from 14 to 21 days. All competitors must therefore observe a shutdown period of 21 consecutive days during the months of March and/or April.