F1 2021; A new hope or pointless hype?

This week FOM and the FIA announce the regulation changes and their vision for the 2021 season, much anticipated by fans hopeful for improvement. But are they everything they have been billed to be?

Key Part 1: The Car Design.After the 2018 season, it was evident to the f1 higher ups that change to the ever-complicated cars were necessary. That season saw front wings possessing numerous modules to alter the flow of air over the wheels for downforce improvements, leaving a vehicle that is more complicated than leaving a continental union. For F1 2021, after the partial loss complication this season, will see a car streamlined in attractiveness and ease on the eye. The front wing is much more indicative of the early to mid 90s cars, which has left the dirty air being emitted to a minimum. The bargeboard section of the car is completely gone, being replace by a single T Plate that will be a template all teams share. This takes the car from abstract art to a modern, chic style. This is also supported by the curves of the engine cover and overall presence of the chassis concept, looking sleeker and faster (which isnt seemingly a natural feature according to Lewis Hamiltons claims that the car is in some cases 2 seconds a lap slower than the current crop of cars.

Key part 2: Regulation changes There have been many refinements to the ruling for the 2021 season, but the main idea is to make the sport more competitive. One of these rule changes is a budget cap of $175 million for on track needs. This does not factor in the marketing and driver wages for the team, enabling the ‘smaller’ teams to have a more equal budget. There will still be gulfs in terms of finance generation and expenditure, however the sporting aspect of Formula One should be accelerated towards teams being closer.

The 2021 season could be a red herring for all we know; all these changes just for Mercedes, Ferrari and red bull to dominate, but hope will keep us from believing this – soon we will hopefully see McLarens and Renaults challenging for podiums and race wins.