Quali Race Rejected

At the meeting in Paris, FIA, Formula 1 and the teams couldn’t agree on new rules for 2021. Only one thing is certain: They met in the city of love to settle the future of Formula 1. But there wasn’t much love felt when the meeting proceeded. ABMS reports:

Only one thing that was decided at the meeting in Paris between representatives of the Formula 1 teams, as well as FIA and marketer Liberty Media, was:

The qualifying race, proposed by Ross Brawn, an idea with reverse grid starting positions is off the table. The teams were against ist. This leaves qualifying as it is.

There was no agreement on the main issue. So in other words, the new rules for 2021 haven’t been decided yet. ABMS knows that the teams submitted FIA and Liberty counterproposals, which are now being reviewed.

The top teams such as Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes disliked the aspect of too many standardized vehicle parts, as Ross Brawn had suggested.

Brawn’s goal is to bring the Formula 1 field closer together through simpler technology. In addition, less complicated aerodynamics to facilitate the driving behind and overtaking.

Brawn:
“Everyone should have the chance to win a race, but that’s not possible right now.” The top teams hold against it.
“Good engineers must still be able to make the difference.”

Haas team leader Günther Steiner:
“The DNA of Formula 1 must be preserved in any case.”

Until October 31, FIA and Liberty want to present the new rules and if absolutely necessary even without the approval of the teams.

Team bosses like Andreas Seidl are open to it. The German McLaren boss points out:
“In the end, it’s the same for everyone, but the important thing is that we have something in our hands so we can get started.”

There is not much hope for harmony between the parties. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed his discontent:

“I think Boris Johnson is closer to a deal than we …”

The question remains whether Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto uses his right of veto. Most recently, he had verbally flirted with that every now and then. The Italian in Japan:

“We have this veto right, but it would be a shame if we had to use it, that is not our intention, it is more important for us to be very constructive.”

*This article was first published in German at autobild.de/motorsport.