Budget cap & improved overtaking - F1 reveal 2021 regulation changes!

Aero changes to improve overtaking

These will be the most notable changes to the regulations, and the one most fans are anticipating too.

Although there are a lot of nuances to it, it comes down to both wings generating significantly less downforce than they do now. There are multiple reasons for this.

Firstly, the Formula 1 want cars to be able to follow each other more easily through corners. Because of the disturbance in the airflow an F1 car causes, a car closely behind has less downforce because of this 'dirty air'; 40%, to be exact. Especially in corners, this will make it incredibly difficult for a following car to not lose ground.

This is why in 2021, both wings on cars will be much simpler, as will other aerodynamic components on the car. Other aerodynamic parts, particularly on the side, will be removed altogether. Side pods, for example, will be a thing of the past in 2021.

To compensate for the lost downforce, the ground effect will be used. The floor of the car will be used to make it stick to the ground, with downforce being higher the faster the car goes. The main advantage of using the ground effect is it won't create much dirty air. The current 40% loss of downforce will be decreased to 5-10%, the F1 claim in their statement. This should allow for a lot more close battling, as well as natural overtaking.

Getting the grid closer together

Aerodynamics rules have not only been simplified; they've been limited as well. This has been done purposely, as there won't be much wiggle room for teams to improve their aerodynamics. This is one of the measures that has been taken to get the grid closer together rather than one team being dominant.

The underlying thought process is that the driver, rather than the team, can make the difference during a race weekend. For example, drivers like Max Verstappen or Charles Leclerc would be able to challenge at the top with a midfield car, just because of their talent. Driver aids will be further restricted, as will technical help from the pit wall while a driver is out on track.

Another measure to get the pack closer together is the infamous budget cap, which will be 175 million dollars per year. However, things like engine development, marketing, 'top three personnel' and drivers' salaries are not included in the cap. More parts will be standardized too like radiators, brakes, wheels and tools for pit stops.

Flashy new design

Finally, the final major change for the 2021 regulations is the way the cars will be looking. New F1 owners Liberty Media want the cars to look more spectacular to the eye. "This is the kind of car kids will want posters of on their bedroom walls," as the F1 put it on their own website. This is another reason why the F1 isn't allowing odd-looking front-wings and shark fins. 

The new wheels will catch the eye first in the new designs, however. The current 13-inch wheels will be replaced by massive 18-inch wheels in 2021. Again, to make the cars easier on the eye.

Press release - FIA and Formula 1® present regulations for the future pic.twitter.com/D9twk7OYbI

— F1 Media (@F1Media) 31 October 2019