FIA decides against introducing standardised gearbox for 2021

Standardised gearboxes could have been part of Formula 1’s future from 2021, but following analysis of submissions in a tender process, governing body the FIA has chosen not to appoint a single supplier…

Currently, some teams make their own gearboxes, while others buy them in. For example, Alfa Romeo and Haas run Ferrari gearboxes, while Racing Point use a Mercedes gearbox.

The FIA wanted to evaluate introducing a single supplier to provide the gearbox internals, with teams free to create their own outer housing.

But after reviewing the recommendations made by the FIA Technical Department of submissions, the World Motor Sport Council has voted in favour of not appointing a single supplier.

“The Council's decision was based on consideration of both technical and financial information made available by teams and suppliers,” said the FIA in a statement.

“The technical data provided revealed that gearbox technology in Formula 1 has largely converged and that, as a result, there is little performance differentiation at present.

“It was also noted that, due to the complexity of the components, gearboxes remain a sensitive matter in terms of reliability, and this was factored into the evaluations of the FIA Technical Department.

“Regarding the financial implications of the tender process, detailed financial data was requested from F1 competitors and a number of teams operating different business models supplied the FIA with relevant information.

“Analysis of this revealed that similar financial savings could be made by means other than the specification of a single supplier. These methods are being discussed with the Formula 1 teams and will be included in the regulatory package to be presented by the end of June.”