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Ferrari: 2021 rules a "good starting point", veto not ruled out

Ferrari says that Formula 1's 2021 rules are at a "good starting point" that can be improved, but has not ruled out using its veto on the changes

Under the terms of its bilateral agreement with F1's owners, Ferrari has a right to veto new rules that it believes are not in the championship's best interest.

Ferrari has been clear that it would rather not use the veto, but is also adamant that it will not readily accept regulations that it feels will damage F1.

While Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto voted in favour of the rules as a representative of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council, the team is still keeping its veto option open for now as there are likely to be further discussions to refine the regulations.

A Ferrari spokesperson said: "What has been voted on is a good starting point, and we will work together to improve them."

Binotto is not due to arrive at the upcoming United States Grand Prix until Friday, but speaking in Mexico last weekend he was clear that the teams will need to work together to ensure that what has been agreed is made better.

"Refining the rules is a never-ending process," Binotto told Autosport.

"Even with the current regulations we are changing it at each single opportunity.

"There is a lot to still improve. It's true they are very green. But then it will be down to the collaboration of the teams and F1 to make sure we are addressing each single doubt.

"I'm pretty sure that whatever will be published will need to be refined before the start of 2021, and even later."

Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul agrees that the rules need to be improved, but he believes that what had been agreed so far is positive and had been done "without betraying the DNA that made us love this complex sport".

He added: "Despite some compromises made to bring together the diversity of models created by the current Concorde Agreement and its unsustainable discrepancies, these measures represent significant opportunities for a team like ours, increasing our prospects to reduce the gap to the front and challenge for wins and titles in a reasonable time frame.

"We will continue to work together to fine tune these regulations, but the fact the fundamentals are now secured will allow us to plan the developments required between now and the first race of 2021."

F1 has been clear that while getting the 2021 rules across the line should be viewed as a "watershed" moment, work will still continue to ensure that they fully achieve their aims.

"Everyone should realise today is not the end of the process, it is a way point," said F1's chief technical officer Pat Symonds.

But Ross Brawn says he is not expecting anything dramatic to be changed as work continues on perfecting the rules.

"I don't think [the rules] will fundamentally change," said F1's managing director of motorsport.

"There will be refinements and there have to be refinements, and those refinements will be done under the ISC (International Sporting Code)."

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