diff --git a/tox.ini b/tox.ini
index e93de7bd53..06236c058a 100644
--- a/tox.ini
+++ b/tox.ini
@@ -3,6 +3,11 @@ minversion = 3.2.0
 envlist = py3,validate,pep8,bashate,docs
 skipsdist = True
 ignore_basepython_conflict=true
+# note(elod.illes): setuptools capping / pinning does not work as it is
+# pinned inside virtualenv. So to cap / pin setuptools we need to do it
+# via virtualenv. Virtualenv 20.13.3 is the last version that holds
+# setuptools < 61.0.0
+requires = virtualenv==20.13.3
 
 [testenv]
 usedevelop=True