Ferrari is understood to be the only team opposing an effort to delay Formula 1’s new technical regulations until the start of 2022.
The idea was first suggested shortly after the sport had announced the postponement of the first four races of this season amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The change would help relieve financial pressure particularly on smaller teams, who were already facing a tough challenge trying to balance the development of both this year’s and next year’s all-new design.
Now they face the prospect of a condensed season, with 18 races being considered in 182 days according to some reports, and also reduced revenue from the four events that would not be rescheduled.
Under the proposal, reported by Auto Motor und Sport, nine of the 10 teams have agreed to continue using their current 2020 cars until the end of the 2021 season with only engine and aerodynamic development left unrestricted in that time.
What’s not currently known, however, is whether the financial regulations, including the $175m budget cap, will still be introduced for 2021 or whether that too would be adapted to meet the unique circumstances.
If the idea could gain Ferrari’s support, however, it would also help F1 in their push to reschedule some 2020 races, as testing for the 2021 season could likely be reduced to only a few days as teams would be continuing with the same car from this year.
This could theoretically mean this season could continue into January next year with a shorter winter break before Australia in late March or early April.
A meeting of the F1 Strategy Group is expected on Thursday via video conference to try and map a route forward.