Ferrari veto pushes FIA towards low-cost customer engine

The FIA ​​press release came out this morning. The international federation will study the possibility of introducing a new customer engine from 2017 default, which would be made available to stables at a lower price than the Power Units currently used.

This study was launched following a veto filed by Ferrari, which refused, as it is entitled to under the regulations, the introduction of a maximum price on engines, but also the gearboxes supplied to customer teams. The Scuderia notably equips Sauber, and will be the preferred partner of Haas F1 Team from 2016.

“The FIA, in agreement with the FOM, proposed the principle of setting a maximum price for the engine and gearbox for customer teams at the last Strategic Group meeting. These measures were put to the vote and adopted by a large majority. However, Ferrari SpA decided to go against this and exercise its veto. In the interest of the championship, the FIA ​​has decided not to legally challenge Ferrari SpA's use of its veto power. »

The world authorities will therefore embark on a vast consultation with F1 stakeholders which will be followed by a call for tenders for the customer engine. “Supported by the FOM, the FIA ​​will continue its efforts to ensure the long-term sustainable development of the Championship and seek solutions to enable it to achieve this objective.

It asks all teams to make a positive contribution to the success of this approach through proposals and initiatives in the interest of the Championship, and its maintenance in the long term. »