The four key points of the GPDA project led by Grosjean for 2021
During the Thursday press conference at the Hungaroring, Romain Grosjean spoke about the priority areas to be addressed for the 2021 regulations from the drivers' perspective. These improvements should help close the gaps between teams and enhance the spectacle during races. We detail the four key points raised by the Franco-Swiss driver.
The GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers Association) is the association of Formula 1 Grand Prix drivers. After replacing Jenson Button in May 2017 as director, Romain Grosjean spoke about the drivers’ movement’s suggestions regarding the establishment of the 2021 regulations.
This must be finalized before this fall and will likely take into account the suggestions made by current drivers grouped within the GPDA.
They are as follows:
The tires:
The FIA ratified through its latest policy the introduction of rapidly degrading tires. The objective at the time was clear: to increase pit stops and mix strategies. This was meant in part to compensate for the abandonment of fuel management. It is evident that even if the intention was commendable, the results have not met expectations. Tire management is too often responsible for the monotony so criticized in Formula 1. Attack is limited and drivers’ aggression is curtailed by tire overheating, as seen in the last French Grand Prix at Le Castellet.
Romain Grosjean stated, “We want to limit tire degradation to have better races and allow the cars to follow each other.”
The wish of the GPDA is therefore to return to tires with less degradation. The decision will depend on the FIA and the implementation by Pirelli, which, let’s remember, has retained the exclusivity of supplying tires in F1 until 2023.
Aerodynamics:
The aim is to enhance the ground effect via the Venturi effect. Simply put, the downforce of the car will no longer be generated by the air’s effect on the wings, creating weight, but by suction under the car thanks to channels. As recently stated by the FIA, it seems that this decision has been validated by the different governing authorities, which aligns with the drivers’ desires.
The weight of single-seaters:
« Over the years, cars have become heavier and heavier » declares Romain Grosjean.
Since the cessation of refueling in 2010, single-seaters have gained weight, due to increased range. Fuel tanks have expanded, and the weight of the fuel on board greatly influences performance and handling. Current cars weigh more than 850 kg at the start of a Grand Prix, compared to 650 kg just over 10 years ago. Attacking is more delicate and management is necessary. Everything suggests that, according to the wishes of the GPDA and Jean Todt, President of the FIA, a return to fuel management is planned for 2021. Romain Grosjean states: “We don’t necessarily want to return to refueling, but we absolutely need to find a solution to lighten the cars.” If this aspect had been abandoned for safety reasons, it is therefore likely that new, safer intervention processes on the cars will emerge.
Standardization of income across different teams:
The current performance gap between the teams is glaring. Different races make up a Grand Prix, the fight for victory and the battle for the midfield points. The contrasts are striking, and this is obviously partly related to the budget allocated for development.
The wish of the GPDA is therefore to smooth out these differences in order to achieve uniformity in the development and chances of each team.
With these areas of improvement, the Franco-Swiss states: « If this is implemented, we will have a better show.»
From our special correspondent in Hungary
