2021 · SPORTING
2021 Sporting Regulations
2021 was the debut year of the constructors' cost cap under the new Financial Regulations framework, and the year the sprint-race format was introduced as a trial at three events. The GP points scale (25-18-15-...) and the 1-point bonus for fastest lap (when set by a top-10 finisher) were carried over from 2019/2020. Sprint points at 3-2-1 for P1-P3 were introduced at the trial events, along with the sprint's role as the official setter of the Sunday grand prix grid.
Sprint-race trial
The sprint-race format was trialled at three events — widely reported as Silverstone, Monza and Interlagos 2021. Format: Friday FP1 + Qualifying (set the sprint grid), Saturday FP2 + ~100 km Sprint (result set Sunday's grid and scored 3-2-1 for P1-P3). Parc-fermé opened earlier in the weekend than a standard grand prix.
Key changes
- Sprint format introduced at three events.
- Sprint winner scored the pole-position statistic for the grand prix.
Cost cap — debut year
The Financial Regulations took force in 2021, introducing a constructors' cost cap with a declining-scale headline figure planned to drop further in 2022 and 2023. Exclusions covered driver salaries, the three highest-paid non-driver staff, marketing, legal and specified non-competitive items. Reporting, audit and breach mechanisms (Minor / Material Overspend categories) were defined for the first time.
Key changes
- First season under the constructors' cost cap.
- Minor vs Material Overspend breach categories defined.
Exact headline cost-cap USD figure was not inlined — verify against the Financial Regulations document.
Race format & tyre allocation
Two-compound rule for dry grands prix retained. Pirelli continued supplying three dry compounds per weekend on 13-inch slicks. Allocation sizes per driver were set in the sporting code.
Last updated: 2026-04-24
This summary is editorial material prepared by F1pedia for general F1 audiences. It is not a legal reference. For binding rule text, consult the official FIA document.