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Formula 1: FIA proposes standardized gearbox for 2021 and beyond

By Rahul Bharadwaj

MONTMELO, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 19: Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF90 on track during day two of F1 Winter Testing at Circuit de Catalunya on February 19, 2019 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
MONTMELO, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 19: Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF90 on track during day two of F1 Winter Testing at Circuit de Catalunya on February 19, 2019 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) /
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FIA today opened tenders for a common gearbox cassette manufacturer from the 2021 Formula 1 season through the 2024 season. Deadline to submit proposals is set for Friday, March 15.

The 2019 Formula 1 pre-season testing is now underway at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, Barcelona, Spain.

However, just before day two of testing began, the FIA announced their intentions of having a common gearbox supplier from the 2021 season through the 2024 season. Nevertheless, the teams will still be able to have proprietary designs for the outer casing, which is where the rear suspension and many other components are supported.

This comes from the fact that one manufacturer reduces the research and development costs for the smaller teams and thus can help smaller teams reduce costs or pay a premium amount to purchase equipment from on of the manufacturers.

Here is what the tender said about the matter, according to Formula 1.

"“The unit can be carried over between seasons so removing the need for costly continual performance development. In order to retain competitor’s own freedoms for suspension and for the gearbox aero surfaces, the outer housing will remain team specific (designed and produced by the competitor) with the common, self-contained gearbox cassette mounted inside.”"

In addition to all this, Autosport reported that the design and specs will remain similar to the current gearboxes but will have seven gears rather than the current eight. The report also includes details about the MGU-K, which will provide 30 kilowatts more than the current ones.

Also mentioned in the tender is that the number of units that will be available to team during a season: four plus an additional one for testing purposes for a total of five. Here is what the tender had to say about this matter, according to Autosport.

"“Clearly, the competitors that currently produce their own gearboxes will have knowledge built up that should be sought and taken account of if possible. In particular, their best design practices should be sought and a coherent set of design practice actioned during the process.”"

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Given the limitation of quantity, the quality of the gearboxes will be kept in mind. Keeping in mind the 2018 figures of mileage, each gearbox should last around 5000 kilometers.

A final plan of action on this matter is expected to be taken at some point from 15th to the 20th of this April. Transmission technology experts Xtrac are viewed as favorites to win the tender, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise if one of the current manufacturer teams comes forward and decides to supply the particular piece of machinery to the rest of the paddock.

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I have personally believed that standardizing a sport to larger extents just kills the innovation and scope for technical development in various areas. I firmly believe that teams should be given the freedom to design and develop by themselves to fit a certain set of rules, restrictions and guidelines. As a matter of fact, engineering involved in Formula 1 is as interesting to watch as drivers’ skills themselves. So naturally, I’m against the idea of having a common gearbox supplier.

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