The 2022 engine gel unanimously approved

It is a victory for Red Bull, which had made it a sine qua non condition to recover the V6 turbo hybrid Honda after the official withdrawal of the Japanese manufacturer at the end of 2021.

Initially planned for the 2023 season, the engine performance freeze has been brought forward by one year. So decided the Commission F1 which met this Thursday, February 11. The measure was unanimous, receiving 34 votes in favor out of the 34 votes cast (10 for the F1 Group, 10 for the FIA, 10 for the teams, and 4 for the engine manufacturers).

In recent days, Stefano Domenicali, who replaced Chase Carey at the head of F1 on January 1, 2021, had openly campaigned for the establishment of such freeze. 

« Early introduction of engine gel is a key point, but not just for Red Bull, declared the Italian during a media briefing. The whole of F1 can benefit from it. As you know, these restrictions are currently planned for 2023 but by bringing it forward by one year, we want to make savings to ensure that manufacturers can invest in their future propellant ». 

Mercedes et Ferrari had already indicated that they would support such a timetable, but Renault was initially reluctant. The French engine manufacturer plans to introduce a completely new powertrain concept in 2022 and would have liked to continue developing it after its launch. 

Lonely politically since the loss of any client team this season, the Losange knew, given the mode of operation of the new F1 Commission, that it could not block the adoption of development restrictions from the start of the next season. The freeze should not, however, concern reliability-related developments. Its introduction undoubtedly foreshadows the advent of the future generation of F1 engines by 2025, compared to 2026 previously. 

Other topics were discussed during this F1 Commission meeting, starting with the addition of 3 Sprint races this season in Canada, in Monza, and in Brazil. The measure received a positive reception from the teams but they wish to study the proposal in detail before making a formal decision.