The future engine regulations do not excite Renault and Mercedes

Following the publication of the FIA ​​of the avenues studied for the future F1 engine regulations envisaged for 2021, Renault et Mercedes reacted by showing reservations about the solutions mentioned. The International Automobile Federation would particularly like to keep the 6l turbo/hybrid V1.6 by retaining only one hybrid element, the MGU-K, at the expense of the MGU-H. The noise would be improved by increasing the engine speed.

“I approve of the targets set in terms of costs, noise and power and the desire to try for the performances to converge. These things could have been achieved anyway with current engines, commented Cyril Abiteboul à the BBC. I don't see how what was presented could be a model for an independent engine manufacturer. This would perhaps reduce the cost of access for a manufacturer, but they will have to continue to invest colossal sums in research and development. This is currently our problem. I do not believe that a structure like Ilmor or Cosworth will be capable of evolving alone without the support of a manufacturer. »

“As soon as we remove the MGU-H, we will end up with a new engine, worried Cyril Abiteboul. This completely changes the way energy is managed in the engine, the functioning of the turbo, etc. It’s a new concept of combustion, a new way of managing efficiency…”

Toto wolff, the head of Mercedes Motorsport, agrees with the opinion of his counterpart at Renault in estimating that the solutions mentioned will remain expensive for engine manufacturers.

“This is their vision, their proposal, and we haven’t accepted it yet. The concept features a completely new engine and new investments. No builder was particularly impressed. The new concept must cover development costs and noise levels. We didn’t see any of that,” admitted the Austrian on the British channel.