'Wind tunnel tests are prohibited until February 2021'
F1 News
- Lennard Verhage
Initially the new regulations would be introduced as of 2021 which would have a great impact on the design of the cars. While this season would be going on, the teams would also start developing the car for the next season. However, due to the corona virus, the introduction of the new regulations has been postponed by one year, which also resulted in restrictions on the development of the new car.
Closed wind tunnel
With the introduction of new F1 cars a different aerodynamics package is coming around and that needs to be tested extensively in the wind tunnel. Auto, Motor und Sport reports that the teams have to keep the wind tunnel for the new car closed for the time being, as the teams will only be allowed to start working with the new car in February 2021.
This also limits the expensive development of two cars next to eachother, something which is currently necessary given that the income due to the COVID-19 virus has decreased considerably. After all, there is no driving and that has a financial consequence for the teams. In addition, many teams are at home because of the early summer holidays and the fact that factories are closed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Other restrictions
The teams are still discussing the development of other parts for the new car. No decisions have been made yet, but the gearbox, suspension and radiators are currently under discussion. It is also possible that the development of the engine will have to be stopped until the end of the current season.
In other words: the focus of the factories will shift more to the current car as soon as they open again. Mainly because those cars will still be used in 2021. It is only from next year onwards that teams will be able to develop the car to its full potential before 2022.