F1 teams set for crunch talks over 2021 rules impact

Formula 1 teams are set for a crunch meeting on Thursday to discuss the impact the coronavirus pandemic will have on this season and 2021.

A phone conference call is set to take place today between all ten teams and F1 chiefs Chase Carey, Ross Brawn and FIA president Jean Todt to discuss the situation regarding the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The main discussion point on the agenda is understood to be deciding whether to postpone the upcoming sporting, technical and financial regulation overhaul currently scheduled to be introduced for 2021 in a bid to reduce financial strain on the teams.

F1 teams were already facing a huge development challenge in balancing car development between the 2020 and 2021 seasons prior to the coronavirus outbreak, which has added a further headache amid a delayed start to the new campaign.

To combat this, the 2020 rules could remain unchanged for next season and the development of key car components frozen for 2021, before the new regulations come into force the following year.

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said his side would do whatever is necessary to act in the “ultimate interest” of the championship.

“We will have a conference call with all the other teams, F1 and FIA to discuss the situation and the impact it has not only on this season but also on the next one,” Binotto told Formula 1.

“We must carefully evaluate every aspect and see if it is not really the case to think about possibly postponing the introduction of the new 2021 technical rules.

"In any case, Ferrari is ready to take responsibility for a choice that must be made in the ultimate interest of this sport, it is certainly not the time for selfishness and tactics.”

Other matters such as the 2020 calendar are expected to be discussed, after the opening four rounds in Australia, Bahrain, China and Vietnam were postponed.