Why F1 teams will be looking to F2 to gain an edge in 2021

Although the majority of the 2021 technical regulations are yet to be defined, there's one major change that has already been announced. This switch could have a major impact on the competitive order in the upper echelons of single-seater racing

Jake Boxall-Legge May 31, 2019, 11:16 AM

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One of the few throwbacks left in Formula 1 is about to depart. Over the course of its history so far, manual gearboxes, naturally-aspirated engines and ground effects have come and gone from grand prix racing. Soon, another familiar element will also exit stage left and join those past pinnacles of technology on the sidelines.

Oxymoronically, one of Formula 1's most high-profile changes that have been announced for 2021 so far is the introduction of low-profile Pirelli tyres. That year, the wheel rims will extend in diameter from 13 inches to 18, bringing the tyres far more in line with their contemporary road-going counterparts. But at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this month, feeder category Formula 2 revealed that it would make the same switch a season prior.

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Author Jake Boxall-Legge

Jake Boxall-Legge Autosport’s Technical Editor. Having studied Automotive Engineering with Motorsport at the University of Hertfordshire, West Country-born Jake's original ambition was to design racing cars. During a year between studies in which he accidentally rekindled a love of writing, he took up a Master's in Motorsport Engineering at Oxford Brookes. Halfway through his master's year, he was offered a place on the Autosport Academy, conducting occasional freelance duties before becoming the press officer for Formula 2 and GP3 in 2018. Autosport offered him a return to the fold later that year to serve as its Technical Editor. His voice appears on a number of videos and podcasts, and can often be found writing about terrible Formula 1 cars in excruciating detail. In his spare time, Jake enjoys baking and blames his failure to make it past the Great British Bake-Off interviews on his tenuous grasp on choux pastry. His dream is to open a brunch cafe - and his willingness to make outrageous puns in inappropriate situations has earned him the contempt of his colleagues.