ARTICLE 8: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

8.1 Software and electronics inspection

8.1.1 Prior to the start of each season the complete electrical system on the car must be examined
and all on board and communications software must be inspected by the FIA Technical
Department.
The FIA must be notified of any changes prior to the Event at which such changes are
intended to be implemented.
8.1.2 All re-programmable microprocessors must have a mechanism that allows the FIA to
accurately identify the software version loaded.
Acceptable solutions to verify the programmed software may be found in the Appendix to the
Technical Regulations.
8.1.3 All electronic units containing a programmable device, and which are intended for use at an
Event, must be presented to the FIA before each Event in order that they can be identified.
8.1.4 All on-car software versions must be registered with the FIA before use.
8.1.5 The FIA must be able to test the operation of any compulsory electronic safety systems at any
time during an Event.
8.1.6 Competitors may only run custom software that has been homologated by the FIA for their
control applications hosted inside or outside the ECU described in Article 8.2.1.
Details of the homologation process can be found in the Appendix to the Technical and
Sporting Regulations.
8.1.7 The number of versions used in any single championship season will be limited as shown in
the table below. Figures are given per custom control application.
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

ECU Team applications 5 5 5 5 5

ECU PU applications 5 5 5 1 1

ERS & PU-CE Applications 3 5 3 1 1

A version will be deemed to have been used once the car’s timing transponder has shown
that it has left the pit lane.
Changes made solely for reliability, bug fix, compatibility with standard or other custom
applications or changes requested by the FIA will not increase the version counter.

8.2 Control electronics

8.2.1 All components of the power unit, gearbox, clutch and differential, in addition to all
associated actuators, must be controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which has been
manufactured by an FIA designated supplier to a specification determined by the FIA.
The ECU may only be used with FIA approved software and may only be connected to the
control system wiring loom, sensors and actuators in a manner specified by the FIA.
Additional information regarding the ECU software versions and setup may be found in the
Appendix to the Technical Regulations.
8.2.2 All control sensors, actuators and FIA monitoring sensors will be specified and homologated
by the FIA. Details of the homologation process may be found in the Appendix to the
Technical Regulations.

2021 Formula 1 Technical Regulations 55 16 December 2020

© 2020 Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile Issue 7