F1 chiefs are aiming to agree on the sport’s 2021 engine regulations with teams by the end of May.
The teams, FIA president Jean Todt and F1 chairman Chase Carey met in Paris on Tuesday for what have been described as ‘positive and constructive discussions’ about future regulations.
While some changes have been agreed for 2019 to improve the spectacle – most notably an increase in race-fuel allowances to ‘allow drivers to use the engine at full power at all times’ – the 2021 engine regulations remain under consideration.
As expected, and previously revealed last November, the FIA stated at Tuesday’s meetings that the current 1.6-litre V6 turbo arrangement will be maintained, but that the complex MGU-H – the system which converts heat from exhaust gasses into electrical energy to be used elsewhere in the power unit – will be dropped.
More discussions will be held between the governing body and current and prospective engine manufacturers over the next month ‘with a view to concluding the 2021 regulations by the end of May’, according to the FIA.
Carey and F1 sporting chief Ross Brawn presented their vision for the future to team bosses at the Bahrain GP earlier this month, with the proposed engine regulations for 2021 sitting alongside a reputed $150m cost cap amid attempts to make the sport more competitive.
Formula 1 to ‘power up’ in 2019
Tuesday’s meetings produced agreement on certain technical change for 2019.
It was agreed that from next season race-fuel allowances will increase from 105kg to 110kg in order to allow drivers to run their engines at full power throughout the duration of a grand prix.
A 100kg limit was imposed when the current V6 engines were introduced in 2014 but that was increased to 105kg last season owing to the big improvement in lap time after the sport’s aerodynamic rules were overhauled.
Further changes to the cars for 2019 remain on the table in order to improve overtaking but no agreement has yet been reached, with a final decision to now be taken at the end of April.
Elsewhere for 2019, the weight of the car will now be separated from that of the driver so not to penalise heavier drivers, while the use of biometric gloves will become mandatory for drivers in order to improve safety.
