McLaren boss Andreas Seidl has warned Formula 1 it could be 2024 before the new regulations have an effect on the grid order.
In the coming weeks, a final agreement on the rules for 2021 is set to be agreed including significant changes both sporting and commercially aimed at closing the gap between the top three teams and the rest.
However, Seidl says there is no ‘magic bullet’ to the current problem, instead, teams will still have to work on closing the initial performance gap.
“Yeah, I think this is not just a topic of the budget cap [fixing everything],” he said.
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“First of all these three teams are far ahead of everyone else, not just because of budget, but because also they do a better job and they will still do a better job in ’21.
“It’s down to us to simply work harder and better to get to where they are, but of course if we do the best possible job now with the conditions we are in now with the team size, budget, there’s a certain limitation then of what we can do.”
The McLaren chief also admits the top three teams getting a head start is all but guaranteed because the measures aimed at reining them in won’t be in effect next year.
“Of course they can with the knowledge and the manpower they have now they can get a head start with the ‘21 regulations and it will take time to come together and wash out,” he continued.
“For sure this will take… one, two or three years but this is the challenge we are in and this is a challenge we will take as in the end we just need to work harder and better.”
McLaren is one of several teams hoping the changes can offer the platform to once again challenge for victories and championships in F1.
Already in 2019, the British outfit is sitting fourth in the Constructors’ standings, leading the midfield, with the likes of Renault and Racing Point not far behind.