McLaren engine deal with Mercedes not impacted by reg delay

McLaren's scheduled switch from Renault to Mercedes power for 2021 will go ahead as planned despite Formula 1's decision to extend this year's regulations by a year.

In a bid to help teams deal with the revenue shortfall they will incur this season following the cancellation of several races due to the global coronavirus crisis, F1 and the FIA have pushed back to 2022 the introduction of the sport's regulation overhaul.

Formula 1 teams agree to delay introduction of 2021 rules

A freeze on chassis design would appear as problematic for McLaren given the differences in layout between the Renault and Mercedes units, but the Woking-based outfit says it will make the switch and "accommodate the current base chassis".

McLaren's task will be helped by the fact that all F1 chassis share the same mandatory engine mounting points, leaving the team to tweak its design to suit the specific layout of the Mercedes power unit.

F1, the FIA and the teams agreed on Thursday's phone meeting to add in due course other components to its regulation freeze for 2021.

However, aerodynamics should remain an area of free development for the teams, at least with the confines of the prescribed rules.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.