FIA to Freeze Majority of Driver Ratings for 2021

Image: FIA

The FIA will freeze the majority of driver ratings for 2021, with no regular annual review to made due to the “impact” of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Confirmed in a bulletin sent to competitors last week, most drivers will not receive a change to their current rating, other than a list of seven exceptions outlined by the global motorsports governing body.

Drivers will still be entitled to an automatic downgrade due to age, while appointed factory drivers could have their rating change for 2021.

Championship-winning drivers in series could be subject to a change, as well as those finishing in the top-three in the FIA F3 or F2 championships or have claimed three or more podiums in the single-seater series.

Additionally, Bronze-rated drivers under the age of 30 in their first year of competition that have competed in more than two events this year could be subject for a change, as well as drivers who have taken part in a series that spanned two calendar years, such as the 2019-20 FIA World Endurance Championship.

Drivers will still have the ability to request a review of their current categorization “for other reasons than the 2020 [coronavirus] shutdown” with applications due by Sept. 15.

The FIA has stated that the lack of racing during the shutdown will “not be considered as a valid reason” for requesting a downgrade.

Any re-categorizations by will be published by early December.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John