FIA approves 2021 F1 technical rule tweaks

Formula 1’s 2021 technical regulations have been changed following approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council with major front wing, rear wing and chassis tweaks.

With F1 gearing up for a new era in 2021, it is preparing to overhaul the sporting, technical and financial regulations with the sport’s bosses revealing the first look at next year’s cars at the 2019 United States Grand Prix.

Following the initial agreement between teams over the 2021 rules, early tweaks have been made covering safety standards, racing action improvement plus commercial space on cars.

The FIA has confirmed changes have been made to the rules on front wing profiles to prevent air downwash which would cause “a severe compromise” on cars following each other and racing closely. F1’s primary goal with the 2021 technical rule changes is to see teams design cars which are less dependent on generating downforce through complex wings, sidepods and floors which make the current generation of cars lose significant performance in the dirty air of cars ahead.

Front wing endplates, top bodywork and rear wing endplates have also be altered to provide all teams more commercial space to place sponsor logos.

Changes to the chassis have also been introduced to improve the strength and energy absorption from front, lateral and rear hits. Other safety improvements have been made to the electrical workings on the cars, while the rear wing and rear impact structure will be tethered.

The FIA also confirmed Kulite as the official supplier for power unit pressure and temperature sensors from 2021-2023.

The F1 governing body published a 43-page document on the 2021 Financial Regulations which details the $175million per season team cost cap structure, what is excluded from the cost cap and the sanctions and actions the FIA can take if teams breach the new rules.