FIA Introduces Even More Grid Penalties for 2021 Formula One Season

In a bid to reduce costs, a ceiling will be placed on the number of brake discs and pads for the entire 2021 Formula One season. So, drivers will receive grid penalties for unscheduled engine and/or gearbox changes, but also brake disc and pad changes.

The new regulations for the 2021 Formula One season were announced earlier today. They sets a limit on the number of front and rear pads for each driver to use during a season. The limit is proportionate to the number of races in a season. In other words, drivers can use one new set of brake discs and pads per race.

However, if the limit is crossed, they will be handed a three-place grid penalty for the first infraction. If there are subsequent breaches, a two-place grid penalty will be imposed.

It is worth noting that the front and rear sets of discs and pads are counted separately. So, if a driver exceeded the limit for their front and rear brakes at the same race they would incur a six-place grid penalty, or a 4-place grid penalty.

The sport had planned to introduce a standard brakes supplier in 2021, and the FIA had issued a tender for the contract. However this plan has now been postponed until 2023.

Grid penalties for gearbox changes have been revised. Drivers will now have three sets of gearbox cases and cassettes and four sets of gearbox drivelines, gear change components and auxiliary components for a 22-race season.

The latter will rise to five races for a 24-race season. If these limits are exceeded, a driver will receive a five-place grid penalty for the first infraction and any subsequent infractions. So, this season could be very tricky for the F1 drivers as they have one more thing to be worried about. Fortunately, the number of brake units available, seems to be fairly reasonable.