Formula 1 will not introduce standardised brakes for 2021 with the FIA announcing it has delayed the plan.
A move to a standardised supplier was set to be introduced as a way to reduce costs for teams, though the governing body has chosen to delay the move in order to first understand the performance of 2021-spec Formula 1 machinery.
“To allow further evaluation of the real-world performance of 2021 Formula 1 cars, the FIA has chosen to delay the potential implementation of single suppliers for brake friction materials and brake system components,” read a statement from the FIA.
“The significant regulation changes and their interpretation by the teams will affect multiple aspects of the 2021 cars, and considering the critical role of the brakes in both safety and performance, the FIA has decided to cancel both the selection process for brake systems and for brake friction materials in F1 until further studies can be undertaken.”
Italian company Brembo had been preselected as the preferred supplier.
The final brake design for 2021 had not yet been finalised as the sport continues to work on its new regulation set.
According to Mercedes technical director James Allison the delay is a logical decision and allows greater focus on other areas as the regulation deadline looms.
“I think it’s a pragmatic decision,” said Allison.
“Brakes are very long lead-time items, you have to decide where you are headed with them quite a long time before you use them and the picture is too open.
“The destination of the 2021 regulations is too open at the moment, to design, with confidence, a standard set of stuff that then the entire grid is saddled with for that year if we get it wrong.
“It is pragmatic to step back, see how things develop and then re-consider in the future, perhaps under less pressure when the regulations are not being fought on all fronts.”
According to the FIA, the prospect of a standarised brake supplier will be reassessed in 2021.
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