Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has suggested that the squad is prepared to throw its weight behind the idea to delay the introduction of Formula 1’s planned 2021 rules.
Formula 1 chiefs are due to meet today (Thursday) to discuss the impact the coronavirus crisis has had on the championship.
It has already brought forwards the summer break to March/April – with some teams beginning a 21-day shutdown period today – in anticipation of the season not starting until late May, at the earliest.
One proposal set to be mooted is for Formula 1 teams to use 2020 cars this season – assuming it can begin – and in 2021, with the new regulations delayed until the start of 2022.
“We will have a conference call with all the other teams, F1 and FIA to discuss the situation and the impact it has not only on this season but also on the next one,” Binotto told the official F1 website.
“We must carefully evaluate every aspect and see if it is not really the case to think about possibly postponing the introduction of the new 2021 technical rules.
“In any case, Ferrari is ready to take responsibility for a choice that must be made in the ultimate interest of this sport, it is certainly not the time for selfishness and tactics.”
Ferrari’s Maranello facility has already been closed owing to the restrictions placed upon Italian citizens by its government.
On the clampdown Binotto commented: “There are a lot of restrictions which have been applied to minimise risks of contagion and that is affecting our development capacity. Now everything is obviously pending.
“Before the shutdown, we tried to recalibrate the development programs on the basis of various calendar hypotheses but, obviously, we must wait for the evolution of the spread of coronavirus in the world and its effects on the resumption of activities.
“Only when we have a more precise picture will we be able to understand what we will be able to bring to the track in the first Grand Prix of the season.
“We have to understand how the situation will develop but we hope that we can go back to running as soon as possible, once the conditions are right. For our part, we are ready to support F1 and the FIA in this delicate phase.”
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