Regulation changes for 2019 and 2021 by the FIA

Published on 19 April 2018 by Mike Motilall

After the meeting between the Formula 1-Strategy Group and the Formula 1-Commission in Paris, last Tuesday, the FIA presented the plans for the Formula 1-regulations for 2019 and 2021.

From next season onwards, drivers are allowed to have 110 kilos of fuel on board as opposed to the 105 kilos currently. This will ensure that the drivers don’t need to save, or save less, fuel during a Grand Prix. Also, from next year onwards, the weight of the drivers will not be included in the minimum weight of the car. Lighter drivers now have an advantage because the weight deficit can be added to the car in strategic places as extra ballast to meet the minimum weight requirement. It will also be mandatory for the drivers to start wearing biometric gloves. This has been put in place in order to monitor heart rate and other important data. Lastly, the FIA will have a meeting with the teams to investigate possibilities of having the aerodynamics looked at so that overtaking can be enhanced.

For the 2021 season, when the engine regulations will not be applicable anymore, the FIA proposes an important change. Just like the current engines, the power unit will still be a 1.6 liter Turbo Hybrid. However, energy recovery from the exhaust by the MGU-H will no longer be permitted. This will make it possible for the drivers to take it more to the limit during a race. In collaboration with the current and future engine suppliers, the FIA hopes to have the engine regulations for 2021 finalized by the end of May.