“Time is running out” for a future agreement on engines



[ad_1]

Formula 1 engine manufacturers would be divided over what the future holds – and the FIA ​​may have to decide for them.

Talks were held in Austria last month involving all stakeholders, including CEOs of Porsche and Audi who are considering entering F1 as a representative of the Volkswagen Group, while another meeting was held at the eve of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.

New engine regulations are currently expected to be introduced for 2025, but there is a wave of support to delay them for a year until 2026.

Auto Motor und Sport reports that the four engine manufacturers for next year are split in two over what form future power units should take – with Mercedes and Renault on one side and Ferrari and Red Bull on the other.

They say with slow progress the goal is for an agreement to be reached by the Italian Grand Prix in mid-September but if that doesn’t prove possible, “FIA could create facts for 2026 on its own authority “.

The report says the only areas where manufacturers are unanimous is that engines should use synthetic fuel and be hybrids.

If Audi or Porsche entered F1, they would want the engines to be completely new so that they start on a par with established manufacturers. However, Renault believes it would penalize those who have been in the sport for a while.

Ferrari engine in Alfa Romeo, Hungarian Grand Prix.  Budapest July 2021.

Check out all the latest 2021 team clothing via the official Formula 1 store

Renault and Mercedes, say Auto Motor und Sport, are in favor of retaining six-cylinder engines in order to save the cost of a complete overhaul.

“If we have a CO2 neutral fuel, we don’t need a four-cylinder engine,” said Renault executive director Marcin Budkowski.

“The V6 is already here. Why reinvent the wheel? This would mean massive modifications to the car, more weight and more cost. “

However, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes four-cylinder engines would be much more economical, and this is something Ferrari says it is “open to a fresh start”.

Auto Motor und Sport concludes its report by stating: “Time is running out. If one of the manufacturers thinks they can achieve their goal by dragging out the debate, they are on the wrong tree.

“The FIA ​​and F1 management know how important it is to come up with new engines as early as possible.

“If there is no deal by the end of the summer, the FIA ​​can put the manufacturers in front of the fait accompli, forcing them to hurry.

“The Concorde agreement expires at the end of 2025. For 2026, the federation can do what it wants.



[ad_2]

Source link