It appears that Ron Dennis and Frank Williams have got the ear of the FIA at present as the decision was made due to their threat of arbitration.

Once again it is all about cutting costs and creating stability within the F1 fraternity, although how stability can be achieved amidst ever changing rule books is a mystery to me.

FIA Press Release

The technical devices which will ensure the absence of driver aids (in particular
launch control, traction control and fully-automatic gearboxes) require substantial investment. The FIA is reluctant to commit the necessary resources until actual or threatened arbitration proceedings have been resolved.

Accordingly, the full enforcement of the long-established ban on in-car driver aids will be delayed until the first race of the 2004 season. If current uncertainties have not been resolved before the deadline for ordering the technical devices for 2004, competing teams will be required to demonstrate the absence of driver aids to the satisfaction of the stewards at each event of the 2004 and subsequent Championships.

Paris, March 28, 2003