From the 2021 season, Formula 1 should be more exciting. The world federation Fia had presented on Thursday comprehensive reforms of the rules. The goal: greater competition between the racing teams, more overtaking maneuvers, more races.
The main points of the reforms include:
- Introduction of a budget limit of $ 175 million a year (with a few exceptions - driver's salary, for example, is not one of them).
- Simplification of aerodynamics to facilitate tracking and overtaking.
- The cars get heavier and therefore slower (about 3 to 3.5 seconds per lap compared to 2019)
- Increase the maximum possible race per season from 22 to 25.
Not all pilots were satisfied with it. "A Formula 1 car has to be the fastest car a human has ever seen," said Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel ahead of the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas (Sunday, 8:10 pm, TV: RTL and Sky; MIRROR ONLINE).
However, he wants to wait and see how the changes actually work. "A model car is one thing, but it depends on the ideas of the teams to interpret the rules - we're not that far yet," said Vettel. But more action is "basically good".
"If we stay closer to the opponent, I am in favor"
Lewis Hamilton , who has been the measure of things with his Mercedes team since 2014, was open-minded. "I love what I do and I want to be a pioneer and the team has proven that it's the best prepared," said the Briton, who won the title in Austin for the sixth time.
Since the beginning of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014, Mercedes has been the dominant Formula 1 team, with Hamilton by far the most successful active driver. Already in 2017, the rules were radically changed without the Silver Arrows losing their leading role.
Max Verstappen has only one condition: "If these cars allow us to stay closer to the opponent, then I'm in favor," said the Red Bull driver. For two to three seconds falling lap times are "okay" for the Dutchman, nothing more: "That would be too slow."
Outsider teams should be able to accommodate the new rule somewhat. McLaren driver Lando Norris said: "The rules will not automatically mean we win races or be on the podium, but there's a greater chance of accomplishing that."