#F1 2019 rule changes and 2021 engine proposal unveiled

Formula 1’s Strategy Group and the Formula One Commission met at the FIA’s headquarters in Paris with FIA President Jean Todt and F1 CEO Chase Carey among those present to discuss the 2021 power unit proposal and agreed to revisions of the technical regulations for the 2019 season regarding fuel allowances and driver weight.

The rule changes for 2019 will see an increase in fuel allowance from 105kgs to 110kgs, which will allow drivers to push flat out from start to finish.

A driver’s weight will now be separate to the car’s weight meaning heavier drivers will no longer be disadvantaged.

Drivers will also be required to wear biometric gloves to increase safety and facilitate medical rescue. The biometric gloves record vital signs to assist marshals and recovery crews in evaluating their condition in the event of an accident.

Discussions on potential aerodynamic changes for 2019 to encourage more overtaking will also continue for next season in the hopes of allowing more teams having a chance of winning races, with a decision being made by the end the month, once research being undertaken by the FIA and in conjunction with the teams have been agreed upon.

The FIA also presented its 2021 power-train proposal, with the current Concorde Agreement deal expiring in 2020 and beyond.

They were to continue with a 1.6L V6 Turbocharged Hybrid engine without the Motor Generator Unit – Heat (MGU-H) exhaust energy recovery system, which is one of the current power-unit’s most expensive elements.

The sport’s governing body will meet with current and potential engine manufacturers to discuss the power-unit proposals in detail, with an agreement expected to be reached by the end of May.

Formula 1 has currently four manufacturers in Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes and Honda with potential suppliers such as Aston Martin, Cosworth and Ilmor all expressing an interest in rejoining the sport if the rules are attractive to them.

Ferrari could however, walk away from the sport if the rules on offer are unappealing to them.

All proposed rule changes are subject to approval from the governing body’s World Motor Sport Council.

The FIA’s full statement on the proposed changes can be read here at the link: https://www.fia.com/news/positive-steps-2019-technical-regulations-and-2021-power-unit