Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnauer has backed Formula 1’s decision to delay its new regulations by a year, but says team won’t be able to relax when the sport returns to action.
Formula 1 is currently on a prolonged hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic and will not return to competitive competition until at least mid-June.
It has brought forward its summer break to March and April, extending it by a week, with Racing Point serving its shutdown through until April 16.
Formula 1, the FIA and teams agreed to delay the introduction of the new regulations by a year while this season’s chassis will be retained for 2021.
“This is an unprecedented situation – one that is changing by the day,” said Szafnauer.
“Right now, we simply cannot say with any degree of certainty when we’ll be back to normal. There are so many factors that are not under our control.
“With that in mind, another decision taken between the teams and the FIA has been to delay the introduction of the new regulations until 2022.
“From both a logistical and a cost perspective, this makes absolute sense.
“Of course, that doesn’t mean we can afford to take it easy when we return to work. When we do eventually get back on track, we need to be in a position to compete – whatever the regulations.
“There’s still plenty of work ahead and we’ll be ready to tackle it when the time comes.”
Szafnauer also urged supporters to follow the guidelines of their respective authorities.
“On behalf of everybody in the team, I’d like to thank our fans for their support at this challenging time,” he said.
“As soon as it is safe to do so, we will get back to the racing.
“My final thought is to reinforce the government’s advice to stay at home and act responsibly; the more we all follow the guidelines, the quicker we will be back racing.
“It’s important we all stay united through these unusual times and stay safe and healthy.”