Racing Point backs the delay of the new technical regulations
Racing Point Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer says that the decision to delay the introduction of the technical revamp for 2021 until 2022 was the best decision the sport could have taken in this unprecedented time.
Formula 1 was set for a complete rebirth before the coronavirus outbreak has changed the sport’s plans for the near future. With the COVID-19 pandemic putting immense pressure on teams, it has been agreed that the major technical overhaul will be delayed by a year until 2022.
Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer backed the decision taken by the governing body, the Commercial Rights’ Holder and the rival outfits after the virus has developed an unprecedented time that is characterized by total uncertainty.
"With that in mind, another decision taken between the teams and the FIA has been to delay the introduction of the new regulations until 2022. From both a logistical and a cost perspective, this makes absolute sense. Of course, that doesn’t mean we can afford to take it easy when we return to work. When we do eventually get back on track, we need to be in a position to compete – whatever the regulations.”
Following the cancelled Australian Grand Prix, the team was fortunate to return quickly to its base at Silverstone. Although the situation in the United Kingdom was less severe at the beginning, allowing the UK-based outfit to continue to operate normally, it has followed a similar pattern in the following days. As a result, the UK government has introduced restrictions, urging the UK-based race stables to follow Ferrari in commencing its shutdown period for at least three weeks.
Racing Point began its shutdown on March 25. „As things currently stand – and it’s important to stress that this is a constantly evolving situation – we’ll be returning to work on Thursday 16 April. We’ve also worked extremely hard over the last few weeks to ensure that all staff who can work from home have the equipment they need to set up home offices.”
Szafnauer who was born in Romania to an American father and a German mother stressed that the situation the world is currently facing is unlike anything in his lifetime. Reflecting on the political decisions and medical advice, he reinforced „the government’s advice to stay at home and act responsibly; the more we all follow the guidelines, the quicker we will be back racing. It’s important we all stay united through these unusual times and stay safe and healthy.”
