WHAT YOU CAN ALTER FOR 2021

Formula 1’s ‘token’ system enables teams to correct design blunders from last year – but they’ve got to choose carefully…

Last year the FIA issued a long list of components and chassis structures (see opposite page) whose designs were to be ‘frozen’ through 2021. Teams have up to two ‘tokens’ to spend on modifying certain components on the list and, depending on how significant the part is, modifying a single area can cost up to two tokens.

The token system is an imperfect but necessary compromise which gives a degree of leeway to teams with fundamental car problems to solve. Chief among these is Mclaren, which is having to modify its car to accommodate Mercedes engines after migrating from Renault. While F1 power units are supposed to have common mounting points where they meet the chassis, plumbing them in optimally is a more sophisticated business than bolting them to the back of the ‘tub’. The cooling system, gearbox and rear suspension all have to be integrated.

Mclaren wasn’t alone in needing to modify certain areas. F1 managing director Ross Brawn has alluded to an approach from an unnamed team which had “got the cooling wrong” on its car and “couldn’t live with the cooling system for two years”.

Ferrari, meanwhile, is pinning its hopes on remedying the SF1000’S weak points by spending its token allocation on what is in effect a new rear end. Instability there was a key problem, particularly for the now-departed Sebastian Vettel, and Ferrari’s aim is to integrate a new rear suspension design with its ongoing aerodynamic development programme. It’s also bringing a revised power unit design, though that is outside the scope of the token system. Ferrari is taking advantage of rules which allow one change each to the engine itself, the fuel and lubricants system, the turbocharger and the MGU-H.

The flexibility built into the rules also applies to the teams which source permitted components from others, which is why Aston Martin is in effect getting a free upgrade to its 2020 car. Aston buys its suspension from Mercedes – so without having to spend a token it will benefit from the radical ‘swept’ rear wishbone configuration introduced on the W11 last season before the freeze came in.