The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is planning to update the Formula 1 car's downforce levels as a safety measure and also to help F1's official tyre partner, Pirelli to use the same tyres in 2021.
The decision was made as a response to the tyre issues which were witnessed in the British Grand Prix wherein Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and Carlos Sainz suffered major tyre failures resulting is loss of pace.
The decision from FIA will mean that the F1 teams will not have to make changes to their current aerodynamic set up which will allow the teams to further invest time in the improvement of other resources.
Pirelli is currently providing 2019 tyres in 2020 since the teams had rejected the new range of tyres that were introduced by the Italian manufacturer which were originally meant for 2020 racing season.
The 18-inch tyre format is now postponed to 2022. Pirelli did not have enough opportunities to conduct a proper development programme in the current 2020 season so their only option was to use the 2019 tyres in the third season next year.
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The FIA recognised that the increased downforce levels meant that more stress is laid upon the tyres. Initially the FIA and the teams had agreed to cut the downforce for 2021 which included changes to the floor regulation.
The race at Silverstone showed tyre failures which resulted in the quick decision by the FIA to further cut the downforce as it was not enough. So, further reduction was necessary since the tyres have a limit according to FIA. Pirelli mentioned that they can only increase the pressure up to a certain level which will enable the tyres to bare the stress and load.
The Formula one teams were informed of the decision taken by Peter Bayer, FIA secretary general of motorsport through a letter:
"We are grateful for the support we have received as a sport from Pirelli and note that we have asked them to continue providing the same specification of tyres for a third consecutive season.
"We consider that recent events have highlighted that previously agreed aerodynamic changes are insufficient, and hence we intend to introduce some further downforce reduction measures as permitted by Article 2.2 of the 2021 technical regulations.
"These regulatory changes will be discussed with the teams and will require World Motor Sport Council approval (safety grounds)."
