F1’s 2021 rule changes an opportunity for a big reset

Formula 1’s expected 2021 rules revamp provides an “opportunity to make a big reset” which former driver-turned-pundit Karun Chandhok is backing.

While this upcoming F1 season welcomes rule tweaks, with focus on simpler front wings and front brake ducts plus wider rear wings to help racing and overtaking, 2021 is considered F1’s next key era change with the chance for a major rules overhaul.

F1 owners Liberty Media, fronted by managing director for motorsports Ross Brawn, has emphasised the need to get any rule changes right to help the future of the sport which is something Chandhok backs but remains wary of the uncertainty still surrounding a potential shake-up in 2021.

“There’s a small change for some of the aero bits for this year, front wing, rear wing and bargeboard but it’s not a massive change,” Chandhok said at the Autosport International Show. “2021 is a great opportunity for F1, now whether they use that opportunity is yet to be seen.

“We haven’t yet seen any concrete rules for 2021. There’s lots of rumours and talk but nothing truly established yet, so let’s wait and see.

“Hopefully they will take the opportunity to make a big reset. It really needs somebody from F1 or Liberty to really grab the bull by the horns and say ‘look, we’re going to make the sport better, we’re going to make the racing better and the cars less complicated’ and just commit to it. If they can, then it’s great for everyone watching.”

Chandhok also accepts the sound of F1 engines in the current V6 hybrid era is “missing a bit” compared to previous eras which has been a key complaint from some fans, drivers and teams.

But with an evolution of the same engine rules expected in 2021, with currently no new manufacturers looking to enter F1 to encourage new regulations, it could persist as an issue in the sport.

“Anyone who is a fan of the sport understands why the noise of the cars is so important. It’s a very emotive thing,” he said. “I used to live in Brackley, six miles from Silverstone, and I could hear the F1 tests and I would jump in my car to Silverstone to stand on the grass bank and watch the test because I am a fan of the sport. I think that’s missing a bit now.”