Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has altered the regulations regarding power unit component usage in the event of the calendar being significantly shortened.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has severely affected Formula 1’s calendar and widespread changes are set to be made if and when the 2020 championship can get underway.
Planned events in Australia and Monaco have been cancelled while six other grands prix have been postponed.
Formula 1’s current ambition is to produce a calendar of 15 to 18 events for 2020.
Since Formula 1 switched to V6 hybrid power units in 2014 the device is made up of six key components, the use of which is strictly defined within the regulations.
The components are the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H), Turbocharger (TC), Energy Store (ES), Control Electronics (CE) and Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K).
On the assumption that 22 events were due to take place this year each driver was permitted three ICEs, MGU-Hs, TCs and MGU-Ks, and two ESs and CEs for the season.
On Tuesday updated regulations were issued in case 15 grands prix cannot be held in 2020.
An amended article of the Sporting Regulations outlined that “should the number of races in the championship drop to 14 or less” each driver may use no more than two of any component.
Additionally, should the number of races drop to 11 of less, they will be permitted no more than two of any component, aside from the ES and CE, of which just one must be used.
It was also announced that power unit manufacturers must join Formula 1 teams in observing a mandatory three-week shutdown period, which could be extended beyond the initial timeframe.
