Here's how Grand Prix weekends will change from 2021 onwards

Not only will the cars be changed for the 2021 regulations, which were released earlier by the Formula 1, but the structure of Grand Prix weekend will be adjusted as well - here's how!

FP3 in race trim

Parc ferme regulations currently apply from qualifying onwards. So, you can't change the set-up of your car between qualifying and the race. 

Now, parc ferme will apply from FP3 onwards. This also means cars will have to return to 'reference specification' for FP3, meaning any new parts tested on Friday must be stripped off again before Saturday's running starts.

What this new rule will also do is give the public a much better idea of where each team's race pace and qualifying pace is at. No more sandbagging (during FP3, at least) and unexpected pole sitters, most likely. 

More test drivers 

Another new rule is that every team has to use an inexperienced driver - with two or less Grands Prix under his belt in his career - for at least two practice sessions per season. The idea behind this is for more young drivers to gain experience in an F1 car.

So, we should see a lot more new faces on Fridays from 2021 onwards. For example, Nicholas Latifi ran FP1 for Williams last week in Mexico, an F2 driver who has no F1 entries. He would be a candidate for a free practice session. Expect a lot of F2 drivers in F1 cars!

Moved press conferences

Finally, another small adjustment is that the drivers' press conference will be moved from Thursday to Friday. It will be held ahead of FP1 and FP2 on Friday, with the team executives' press conference still taking place between FP1 and FP2 on Friday, as it is now.