Why the FIA shorts maximum permissible number of exhausts?

In 2021, Formula 1 was going to change drastically. Both the sports regulations and the technical regulations would have had to comply. Major changes include the budget cap and the aerodynamics of the cars. The smaller rule changes occasionally escaped attention. Why, for example, can only eight exhausts be used from 2021 and on?

Because of the corona crisis, the whole transition period has become even more complex. Much of the new regulations that would enter into force in 2021 have been moved to one year or two years later. In the meantime, there is a less well known rule change that will take effect in 2021.

For example, Motorsport.com reports that the new regulations explain more explicitly what an exhaust system comprises. Article 23.3 in the sports regulations ensures that this definition is important. It states that as of next year only eight exhaust systems may be used during the season.

Unlimited exhaust systems until 2021

When exceeding the maximum number of exhausts, the rules that also apply when exceeding power source elements are applied. That this rule will be introduced as early as 2021 instead of a year later as most of the changes mean that the teams and the FIA have seen a problem in this.

The big difference in the definition of the exhaust system is that previously it was not seen as part of the power source but now it is. In the first place teams could use this part unlimitedly and in the second place teams were free to develop the exhaust of the power source themselves. In light of the budget cap to be set, this needs to be adjusted.

Not clear why

Motorsport.com also reports that the teams most likely replaced this part every race. McLaren even replaced the particular component between qualifying and the race several times in 2019. This happened during the parc fermé rules which suggests that the exhaustsystems were quickly damaged.

The fact that the teams and the FIA will enforce the rule in 2021 is probably an indication that there were benefits for some teams to be gained by changing the exhaust. A maximum of eight may be a solution to put an end to this.