Mercedes, Ferrari & Red Bull lead backlash to proposed 2021 cars

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Only four Formula 1 teams voted in favour of introducing the new technical rules being proposed in 2021, the BBC claim.

The British broadcaster cites a questionnaire they say was produced and conducted by the top three teams, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull, in Singapore, which revealed only McLaren, Renault, Williams and Alfa Romeo in favour of the current concept.

As for the six against, they would rather see F1 continue with the current technical regulations although it is understood the response has now led to alterations being put forward by Alfa and McLaren.

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The main area of contention is the limitation F1 wants to put on development with the 2021 cars to stop designers undoing the work done to produce more raceable cars.

However, many teams believe this is effectively introducing same-spec cars to the sport and therefore, goes against the DNA built up over the decades.

There is also opposition to F1 introducing more standard parts, with an 'open-source' alternative put forward, which would allow other teams to essentially copy the design of some components.

FIA president Jean Todt has also seemingly bolstered those teams opposing the new cars, suggesting he is not willing to force through any changes without a prior agreement while also calling for compromise.

And it is reported that Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari put forward their ideas on how to alter the technical regulations to meet their concerns.

Also, though there was a 6-4 split in the vote, political pressure likely played a part with Toro Rosso an extension of Red Bull, Haas closely aligned to Ferrari and Racing Point similarly tight to Mercedes.

McLaren, Renault and Williams are pushing hardest for the 2021 changes, however, believing it will allow them to close up on the top three teams and are sceptical of the intentions behind their opposition, suggesting it is simply down to keeping the status quo.

With 19 days left before a final agreement is meant to be agreed, it appears less likely than ever that every change F1 bosses want to make will happen the year after next.

 

         

 

 

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