One size fits all

When the FIA and Liberty Media were concocting plans for the 2021 Formula 1 rules revamp, there was a drive towards standardisation of components that it was felt didn’t add to ‘the show’. One of the big-ticket items on the standard parts wish list was the transmission, the theory being that teams invest large amounts in their developmentfor marginal performance gains.

Ultimately, after resistance from teams across the paddock, spec transmissions were dropped from the new rules package, but not before a request for tender was submitted and work undertaken by potential suppliers. One such company was UK-based Ricardo, which explained to Racecar Engineering what it would have taken to supply the grid with a cutting-edge transmission that met the varied demands of every team.

The FIA tender did not include a detailed technical specification of the required transmission, more it laid out broad guidelines for potential suppliers from which to work. According to the FIA the main intent of the move to a spec transmission was as follows: ‘To retain current levels of Formula 1 gear change performance for all cars at a much reduced cost to the competitors, while also removing the requirement for teams to design or source their own gearboxes. The unit can be carried over between seasons so removing the need for costly continual performance development.

‘It is anticipated the layout will be similar to current Formula 1 gearbox / final drive assemblies. The exact layout definition