Formula One announced their new rule changes for the upcoming 2021 season and while engines and tires will stay the same, the largest rule change will be the institution of a $175 million budget cap for each team.
The FIA and F1 confirmed plans for a $175 million budget cap beginning in 2021 – albeit with some caveats – among the exemptions are will include driver salaries, compensation packages of the three best-paid executives and all marketing costs.
The sanctions for breaching the financial regulations will be sporting penalties.
The next biggest change for 2021 is the new aerodynamic concepts allowed for the 2021 car.
Under the new rules, cars will generate a far greater proportion of their overall downforce from under the car, and there will be a significant reduction in the number of external shapers around the bodywork in an effort to attempt to reduce the effect of so-called ‘dirty air’ emanating from a car in front on one trying to follow behind.
The 2021 F1 cars will have less downforce than this year and, subsequently, will be heavier and they are expected to be about three seconds a lap slower – or about on par with a 2016-era F1 car.
F1 will stick with the existing 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids and the Pirelli tires – for now – as Pirelli has been given a mandate to improve the tires before the start of the 2021 season.