Formula 1 shutdown period extended again

The FIA has announced an extension to the Formula 1 shutdown period, bringing it to 63 days in total.

Originally set for 21 days, the shutdown period was extended to 35 days on April 7.

With an expected season-opener in early July, the World Motor Sport Council has extended the shutdown period to 63 days.

Depending on when each team officially commenced its shutdown, the period will conclude at the end of May or beginning of June.

The extension for power unit suppliers has been bumped up from 35 days to 39.

The FIA has permitted for some R&D work to be undertaken toward to end of the shutdown, however it will be closely monitored. No aerodynamic work can be carried out, either.

The F1 sporting regulations have stipulated the conditions regarding the work that can be carried out:

“Fifty days after the start of their shutdown period, upon application by a Competitor, and subject to the prior written approval of the FIA, each Competitor may use the services of a maximum of ten personnel to work remotely on long lead time projects.

“The full details, including the names and job titles of all such personnel, all supporting material, and details of the work that such personnel will be undertaking must be provided to the FIA a minimum of ten days prior to the commencement of any work.

“These personnel must not change for the remainder of the shutdown period and this work must not involve any work on projects related to the aerodynamics of the car.”

There is no restriction on what work power unit supplier can do, and it can commence 36 days after the start of the shutdown period.

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Source: Motorsport.com