Formula 1 teams are in discussions over the amount of test days, and number of engines permitted in 2020, in the wake of a potential 22-race calendar.
Formula 1 has already agreed deals with Vietnam and the Netherlands, while Spain is poised to receive a one-year extension – giving it more time to discuss a longer deal – after the Catalan government approved plans to renew the event.
Even with Germany’s anticipated departure from the calendar it would lead Formula 1 to a record-breaking 22 events, assuming both new-for-2020 races are ready on time.
It is understood that the calendar can be arranged in such a manner that the championship will avoid having three races across successive weekends, as was the case in 2018.
“I wouldn’t want to see a triple-header on the calendar,” said Williams’ Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams. “I think we have been assured that there wouldn’t be one. I think that broke a lot of people last year, but also from a logistical perspective that is just a nightmare; it’s a disaster.
“Going to Austria I think it was when we all took makeshift motorhomes, it doesn’t look great for the race but it’s just not good for anyone’s cost base either.”
A reduction in the number of test days is one potential way of easing workload.
For 2019, Formula 1 had two four-day pre-season tests in Spain, with a four-day gap in-between, as well as two post-race test days in Bahrain and Spain, while Abu Dhabi will host a tyre test in December.
One plan under consideration is to reduce the number of pre-season test days to six, split across two three-day tests, or hold a single test that lasts for five days, which is deemed more favourable.
“I’m of the opinion that we probably do too much pre-season testing anyway, with all the dyno and simulators we have, the cars are pretty reliable,” said Racing Point technical chief Andrew Green.
“The places where we can go to test pre-season don’t really represent the majority of tracks we go to. And if you wanted to mix things up a bit reducing the amount pre-season would help that.
“I think we can do a bit less. It’s a tough test anyway, pre-season, it’s not a great way to start a season, especially with 22 races, to do two weeks pre-season, so if that was reduced slightly it’ll reduce the burden on the personnel.”
Formula 1 teams are currently permitted three power units per season, as part of a bid to reduce costs, but there is a concern that a 22nd round could lead to a change in regulations, allowing four power units.
This would drive up the costs both for engine manufacturers and for customers, but teams are split on the best plan of action.
“If we are to introduce a 22nd race the majority of teams are taking penalties and using four engines anyway,” said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
“So one would assume that it would make sense to increase the allocation on power units and components and perhaps if we look at the ratio and say ‘well, OK, rather than using engines for going testing and if we reduce the in-season testing and pre-season testing slightly’, if that frees up an engine that the majority of teams they’re going to use anyway.
“From the next race [in Belgium] there is going to be a whole raft of penalties coming through, and we’re only just halfway through the season, so introducing another race on top of that and expecting teams to get through on three engines and three sets of components is a bit of a tall ask.”
Haas boss Guenther Steiner commented: “One of my things, we need to keep it to three engines. If you introduce a fourth engine, it doesn’t make sense for us financially.
“Actually it is negative for us so why would we do that. But that is down to the engine manufacturer to say yes or no. If they [manufacturers] are confident we can do it with three engines, then I am fine with it.”
Only the season-opener in Australia, on March 15, has a confirmed date on the 2020 calendar.
