These not-so-minor regulatory changes for 2021
With just a few days to go before the first tests of the season in Bahrain, we revisit the regulation changes for 2021. And these are quite significant.
Aerodynamics: Four Major Modifications
1./ The floor.
The rear of the flat floor has been planed and notched at the rear tires. This represents the main aerodynamic development because, while the visual difference seems minor, it changes the overall airflow of the cars. This modification is quantified as about an additional second per lap.
2./ The fins of the brake scoops
The wingspan of the small fins located on the rear brake scoops is reduced by a few millimeters. Again, behind the negligible appearance of the change, this reduction decreases the generated downforce and the cooling of the braking system.
3./ The diffuser deflectors
The diffuser’s strakes have been shortened. These fins help generate ground effect through the diffuser. Reducing them therefore diminishes this principle and thus the grip in fast corners, in particular.
4./ The bargeboards
Located in the wake of the disturbance from the front wheel, the suspension system, and the brakes, the side deflectors, also known as bargeboards, are simplified. Used to support the single-seater and redirect airflow through numerous appendages, this modification results in a significant loss of downforce.
These 4 aerodynamic changes should bring the 2021 F1 cars back to downforce levels close to the 2019 F1 cars, according to James Allison, technical director of the Mercedes AMG F1 team.
Tires: A Different Construction
Following the “tyre carnage” of the 2020 British GP, Pirelli was required to modify the construction of its tyres. The aim is not to change the performance but to preserve the integrity of the tyre structure even with significant wear. As a result, each tyre is now 3 kilos heavier.
The weight: + 3 kg allowed
Logical compensation for the increase in tire weight by 3 kg each with an increase in the minimum weight of the single-seaters. This minimum weight is now 749 kg (including the driver) compared to 746 kg in 2020.
DAS & photo copies banned
The Mercedes DAS banned
The innovation from Mercedes, which had exploited a legal loophole in the regulations in 2020, will be banned for 2021. Let’s recall the principle of this dual-axis steering system that allowed the toe adjustment of the front wheels through a lever mechanism from the steering wheel. The effect generated was a more effective warming of the tires and less wear on the outer edges of the front tires.
Copying by photos prohibited
After Racing Point’s alleged copying of Mercedes cars by photo, the FIA banned the practice for 2021. Known as “Pink Mercedes,” the Racing Point cars revealed almost identical models to the Silver Arrows during the March 2020 tests. Although they did not dominate the podiums as much as anticipated, the performance gain was significant for Lawrence Stroll’s team.
