F1 rule changes to curb performance

With Formula 1’s radical rule changes pushed back to 2022, teams will run their current cars in 2021. Some aerodynamic rule changes to trim downforce, and new tyres from Pirelli, will throw up fresh challenges


Proposed 2021-22 car

Wheels: 18-inch wheels with low-profile tyres – to handle increases in downforce – delayed

Current 13-inch wheels to be used with new tyres

Tyre-wake cleaning blades

Power units: Retain 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged hybrid engines with Energy Recovery Systems. ERS provides extra 120kW of power per lap

Higher rear wing to lift wake over following car

Smaller rear brake duct winglets to cut downforce

Floor: Downforce cut by 10%. Floor area reduced by “exclusion zone” around rear tyres

Dual-Axis Steering banned: DAS changes alignment of front wheels from “toe-out” on bends to increase straight line speed

Current F1 cars: Have around 55% of downforce when running one car length behind another

As air flows over following car, it loses energy, slows down and generates turbulence

Clean air 
Leading car
Dirty air


2021-22 aerodynamic regulations: Aim to enable cars to follow each other more closely and overtake in corners

Clean air 
Dirty air
Clean air 

Downforce could rise to 86%, with 94% available at three car lengths


Sources: FIA, Formula 1.com, Autosport, Motorsport
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