F1 2021 Engine Rules to be set by End of May

There has admittedly been a lot of doubt surrounding the mysterious F1 2021 engine rules. With so many teams voicing their opinions, both favourable and unfavourable, a decision has been made. Now, the F1 chiefs say that an agreement will be reached teams by the end of May.

FIA president Jean Todt and F1 chairman Chase Carey met with the teams in Paris for ‘positive and constructive discussions’ about future regulations.

Some headway has been made with regard to the 2019 regulations to improve the spectacle. A notable change is an increase in race-fuel allowances. The aim is to ‘allow drivers to use the engine at full power at all times’.

The FIA stated that the current 1.6-litre V6 turbo arrangement will remain the same. However, the complex MGU-H – the system which converts heat from exhaust gasses into electrical energy to be used elsewhere in the power unit – will be absent.

But before anything concrete is tabled, there are plenty more discussions to be held between the governing body and current and prospective engine manufacturers.

Carey and F1 sporting chief Ross Brawn proposed the prospective F1 2021 engine rules along with a reputed $150m cost cap amid attempts to make the sport more competitive.

It was agreed that from next season race-fuel allowances will increase from 105kg to 110kg. The idea is to allow drivers to run their engines at full power throughout the duration of a grand prix.

A 100kg limit was imposed when the current V6 engines were introduced in 2014 but that was increased to 105kg last season owing to the big improvement in lap time after the sport’s aerodynamic rules were overhauled.

Further changes to the cars for 2019 remain on the table in order to improve overtaking but no agreement has yet been reached, with a final decision to now be taken at the end of April.

Elsewhere for 2019, the weight of the car will now be separated from that of the driver so not to penalise heavier drivers, while the use of biometric gloves will become mandatory for drivers in order to improve safety.