Just a few hours before the curtain rises on the new season we go over the Formula 1 changes for 2020. The bulk of the regulations is remaining largely unchanged from last year with the complete shakedown of the sport expected for 2021 but nonetheless there are some interesting changes coming up this year.

Venue changes

After a 35 year absence, Holland returns to the F1 calendar. The Circuit of Zandvoort will turn orange in support of local idol Max Verstappen.

The other new addition to the calendar comes from Asia. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, will host an urban race with 23 bends and the promise of plenty of thrill and excitement. The world is expectant to see how this country, with no Formula 1 tradition, hosts this type of racing event. 

Germany, on the other hand, one of the classic appointments in the championship, has been struck off the calendar. Despite being part of the circuit since 1951 it’s constant changes of venue and financial difficulties have resulted in the event finally being given the axe.

Three MGU-K, one more than in 2019

The Formula 1 changes for 2020 include some technical modifications as well. Drivers in 2020 will be able to use three MGU-K units, one more than last season.

The body governing world motor racing events made the change following the increase in number of races for 2020 to 22; a number which could fall down to 21 if the Chinese GP is finally cancelled due to the coronavirus.

The famous chequered flag is back

After the blunder at the Japanese GP in 2019, when an electronic panel signalled the end of the race a lap earlier, race organisers have decided to go back to the traditional method. The checkered flag flag will fly again to signal the end of the race at every appointment. Formula 1 changes for 2020

Cars will remain uncovered during the pre-season tests

In an attempt to make the pre-season testing sessions more attractive to both fans and the media, it is now forbidden for teams to cover their cars while in boxes, the paddock, pit lane or at the grid.

Up until now, scuderias tried to keep every single detail of their cars brand-new designs out of sight from their adversaries as they were only obliged to uncover their machines during the Grand Prix. Formula 1 changes for 2020

New drivers

There will be two new faces this year at the Formula 1 grid; Canadian Nicholas Latifi who has been signed by Williams and Frenchman Esteban Ocon, who returns to the Sport with Renault.

Latiffi, the only rookie on the grid, arrives at the Grove team in replacement of Polish driver Robert Kubica where he will team up with George Russell.

Similarly, Ocon, after a year away from the sport, will compete at the Enstone team together with Australian Daniel Ricciardo, replacing German Nico Hulkenberg.

Team name change

The team from Fenza has a new name: Alpha Tauri, which is one of the stars in the Taurus constellation. It’s drivers, Pierre Gasly and Daniel Kvyat, however, do not seem to have any extraterrestrial powers given their performance in 2019.

Tyres will remain the same as in 2019

After harsh criticisms from all of the teams, the tyres designed by Pirelli for 2020 will not be used. The new compounds were rejected by the majority of drivers right from when they were first rolled out at the USA GP in 2019. The tyre range used in 2019 will, therefore, continue to be used this season.

Farewell to the harsh sanctions for missing the weighbridge 

Another Formula 1 changes for 2020 is the softening of the sanctions imposed to drivers for missing the weighbridge. The controversial penalties were heavily criticised during 2019 as they were considered to be disproportionately harsh. Offenders were actually forced to start from the pitlane, a measure that has now been suppressed.

Images of ‘Formula 1 changes for 2020’: F1.com