Aerodynamic development for the 2022 Formula 1 season has now been prohibited until 2021, the FIA announced on Tuesday.
Next year was supposed to welcome in sweeping changes to the technical regulations, which many have described as the biggest in F1’s 70-year history.
However due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, the decision was made to defer the changes for one year in order to cut costs, meaning the current chassis will also be used next season.
The announcement means teams can now only focus on their current challengers until the end of the year.
Most team factories are currently closed on account of either the FIA’s shutdown period or due to government advice.
With much of the 2020 cars set to be homologated for the following season with parts such as the gearbox, chassis and specific suspension items frozen, only development of the aerodynamics and engine will be permitted.
Teams will be able to switch their development focus to the new regulations at the start of ‘21. This means all development work will come under a new budget cap, which will still be introduced next year.
DAS ban remains in place
Despite the current regulations remaining in place for a further season, Mercedes’ controversial DAS device will remain banned for ’21 under Article 10.4.2 of the revised regulations.
The device was revealed during pre-season testing and sent shockwaves through the paddock. Its purpose is designed to change the front toe angle in order to limit tyre wear, and allow for a more even spread of tyre temperatures.
Rival teams had been open to developing their own versions of the device, but will likely opt against doing so now.
The governing body is set to ratify further changes to the regulations, but these will still need to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council.
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