F1 aims to agree 2021 engine rules by end of June

Monaco – Formula One aims to have new engine regulations for 2021 drawn up by the end of June after a meeting with teams at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Commercial rights holder Liberty Media and the governing FIA sat down with teams for an update on future plans and Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff told reporters progress had been made in some areas.

“I think on the engine regulations we are pretty close on being able to tick the box,” said the Austrian when asked what had transpired from Friday’s meeting in the Mediterranean principality.

“The only major thing which we need to solve is that we are still spending a lot on engine development and what we need to avoid is double spending over the next years, continuing to develop the current engine and also doing the new one.”

Wolff said concessions had been made from Mercedes’ standpoint, with acceptance that the MGU-H – one of the two motor generator units on the current V6 turbo hybrid engine – would have to go.

The engines would be louder, higher-revving and less fuel-limited.

“It’s not the most sustainable message we’re sending out but we can understand that from a spectacle standpoint it is something you need to consider and accept,” said Wolff.

Formula One announced in April it wanted to have cost caps and a more balanced distribution of revenues for the next cycle after the current team contracts and engine regulations expire at the end of 2020. It also wants engines to be simpler and louder, addressing a grievance from many fans about the current power units.

Five-point plan 

A five point plan, outlining key initiatives, was put to teams at the Bahrain Grand Prix, but Ferrari, which receives special payments, has warned it could leave if changes go against its interests.

Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne recently sounded a more conciliatory message, however, saying he was encouraged particularly by a “change in attitude” over the engine proposals.

“I see some commonsense on the table. It was a productive discussion,” said Wolff of the latest developments. “There are still areas where we are very far away. But it is moving forward in a constructive, structured process.”

Regarding cost caps, he said Liberty had recognised that there needed to be a gradual process rather than any sudden imposition.

“It needs to go over several years and it needs to consider the various structures that have been put in place and they are taking our feedback on board,” said Wolff.

Reuters