FIA and Formula 1 have introduced new rules for the 2021 season, which include major changes to the technical and sporting regulations, but the biggest novelty is the financial regulations that regulate the amount and the way budgets are spent, for the first time in F1 history.
After more than two years of unprecedentedly detailed analysis on how to improve Formula One, the key issues that need to be sloved were the inability of modern cars to follow each other, making it difficult to overtake, big gap between the best and the rest, and unfair distribution of money which further deepens the differences between the teams.
The new technical regulations will allow the cars to followe each other more easily, thanks to significantly less turbulence they leave behind so the loss of downforce and grip will be much smaller than today, which should bring better racing.
Key F1 2021 points
- Cars that are better able to battle on the track
- A more balanced competition on the track
- A sport where success is determined more by how well a team spends its money not how much it spends – including, for the first time, a fully enforceable cost cap (starting at 175M$, with plans to reduce this number in the future) in the FIA rules.
- A sport that is a more sustainable business for those participating
- A sport that continues to be the world’s premier motor racing competition and the perfect showcase of cutting edge technology.
The rules were unanimously approved at today’s World Motorsport Council meeting in Geneva, and along with the new rules, sport will also have a new governance and profit-sharing structure that will allow it to grow and evolve, strengthening its business model in the process.
“After more than two years of intense research and development, of close collaboration with our partners at Formula 1, and with the support of the teams and drivers, circuit designers, the single tyre supplier, Pirelli and all F1 stakeholders, the FIA is proud to publish today the set of regulations that will define the future of Formula 1 from 2021 onwards,” said FIA president Jean Todt.
“It is a major change in how the pinnacle of motor sports will be run, and for the first time, we have addressed the technical, sporting and financial aspects all at once. The 2021 regulations have been a truly collaborative effort, and I believe this to be a great achievement.”
“A crucial element for the FIA moving forward will be the environmental considerations – Formula 1 already has the most efficient engines in the world, and we will continue to work on new technologies and fuels to push these boundaries further.”
“What the FIA publishes today is the best framework we could possibly have to benefit competitors and stakeholders, while ensuring an exciting future for our sport.”
“Formula 1 is an incredible sport with a great history, heroes and fans all over the world,” said F1 president Chase Carey.
“We deeply respect the DNA of Formula 1, which is a combination of great sporting competition, uniquely talented and courageous drivers, dedicated teams and cutting edge technology.”
“The goal has always been to improve the competition and action on the track and at the same time make the sport a healthier and attractive business for all. The approval of the rules by the World Motorsport Council is a watershed moment and will help deliver more exciting wheel to wheel racing for all our fans.”
“The new rules have emerged from a detailed two year process of examining technical, sporting, and financial issues in order to develop a package of regulations. We made many changes during the process as we received input by the teams and other stakeholders and we firmly believe we achieved the goals we had set out to deliver.”