Ferrari, Williams against delaying 2021 F1 rules
Ferrari does not share the desire of Mercedes and Red Bull to delay Formula 1’s rules overhaul and hopes it will be voted through even if it is incomplete.
The FIA World Motor Sport Council will vote on Thursday to accept or reject the proposed technical, sporting and financial regulations for 2021, which are intended to mark a significant new era for grand prix racing.
Last week in Mexico, Mercedes and Red Bull outlined their desire to delay the new rules to 2022, while still keeping a $175m budget cap in place for 2021, in order to develop ‘immature’ regulations while also bringing all 10 teams beneath a cost cap before development could begin in earnest.
However, Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto told Motorsport.com: “We do not support it. There is no reason in delaying it.
“We may argue if the regulations are the proper one. And if we want it. But by the time you’ve decided that these will be the new regulations you should go for it, and that’s it.”
Binotto believes the teams’ collective efforts to influence the new rules is over and now it is down to the WMSC to implement whatever rules are proposed.
However, Ferrari may yet decide to implement its right to veto rules it believes are not in F1’s best interest.
This can only happen once the WMSC has decided to vote through the 2021 rules.
“Refining the rules is a never-ending process,” said Binotto. “Even with the current regulations we are changing it at each single opportunity.
“There is a lot to still improve. It’s true they are very green. But then it will be down to the collaboration of the teams and F1 to make sure we are addressing each single doubt.
“I’m pretty sure that whatever will be published will need to be refined before the start of 2021, and even later.”
Ferrari is not alone in believing it is right for F1 to persevere with its ideas for 2021 even if some details are yet to be completely finalised.
McLaren and Williams have been strong proponents of the new rules, with Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams saying she is “fundamentally opposed” to a delay.
“These regulations are coming out very late,” she said. “We delayed them once back in August, they could be ready.
“We’ve been talking about this for two-and-half years now. They could absolutely be ready and in our opinion those regulations, the technical ones are ready.
“We’re very happy with what they look like. There’s clearly a few tweaks here and there that need to be done, which can be achieved even if they are published on the 31st of October.
“We don’t want any delay to those regulations for the sake of the sport but most importantly for the sake of teams like ours and other teams in a similar position to ours.
“It’s really important people understand that message.”
Previous article
Opinion: How senior citizens owned F1 over Miami track plan
Next article
Wolff: Wins sweeter after qualifying "slaps" from Ferrari
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Author | Scott Mitchell |
How Do Drivers Stay Fit For F1 Grand Prix?
Ronnie Peterson and Jochen Rindt Tribute
#ThinkingForward with Juan Pablo Montoya
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says Nigel Roebuck.
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Is Formula 1 as good as it has ever been now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
How Williams’ new structure adheres to a growing F1 trend
Williams held out against the tide for many years but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, the age of the owner-manager is long gone
When a journeyman driver's F1 career lasted just 800m
Nikita Mazepin’s Formula 1 debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix lasted mere corners before he wiped himself out in a shunt, but his financial backing affords him a full season. Back in 1993 though, Marco Apicella was an F1 driver for just 800m before a first corner fracas ended his career. Here’s the story of his very short time at motorsport’s pinnacle.
How Raikkonen's rapid rise stalled his teammate's F1 career climb
Kimi Raikkonen's emergence as a Formula 1 star in his rookie campaign remains one of the legendary storylines from 2001, but his exploits had an unwanted impact on his Sauber teammate's own prospects. Twenty years on from his first F1 podium at the Brazilian GP, here's how Nick Heidfeld's career was chilled by the Iceman.
The nightmare timing that now hinders Mercedes
Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton took victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix despite, for a change, not having the quickest car. But any hopes of developing its W12 to surpass Red Bull's RB16B in terms of outright speed could not have come at a worse time.
How Verstappen's Bahrain mistake can only make him stronger
Max Verstappen lost out to Lewis Hamilton at the Bahrain Grand Prix by a tiny margin, slipping off the track just as victory was within his grasp. But the painful lesson from defeat can only help Verstappen come back even stronger
