Ferrari backed 2021 rules delay to send "responsible signal"

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic wrecking the F1 schedule, and teams likely to face huge financial pressure with a likely cut in prize money and sponsor incomes, the sport’s chiefs have moved to make drastic changes over recent weeks.

Following discussions between teams, the FIA and F1, it has been agreed that the current generation of cars will be used for next year as well; with a major rules revamp put back until 2022.

That decision will make Ferrari’s life more difficult, because it accepts that its current car is not as competitive as it would like against Mercedes and Red Bull.

But team principal Mattia Binotto has made it clear that it was more important that Ferrari backed efforts to try to save smaller teams than focussing on its own competitive chances.

Speaking to Sky Italia about its support for the plan, Binotto said: “Considering the current baseline and the feedback from the tests, we don't think we have an advantage with this choice.

“It wasn't an easy decision, but it had to be made. It is a special moment, and it was important to give a responsible signal for the future.”

Binotto said that discussions were still needed to finalise exactly what teams would and would not be allowed to change for next year.

“The regulations [for 2021] remain the same, but there will still be room for aerodynamic development,” he explained.

“We have yet to define that in detail. We are discussing it with all the representatives of the teams and with the FIA, to understand what will be frozen and what will be open to development.

“But we aim to maintain the DNA of Formula 1, which remains competition and comparison.”

Binotto also confirmed, as first reported by Motorsport.com, that in the wake of the McLaren team member in Australia being testing positive for coronavirus, his outfit would not have competed even if the event went ahead.

“Our position was immediately clear, we would not have raced even if the weekend had taken place regularly,” he said.

“Ferrari would not have raced to ensure the safety of all members of the team. Already in the course of the night we let Charles [Leclerc] and Seb [Vettel] know they were free to go home."

Additional reporting by Roberto Chinchero