Mercedes say such a move would represent a backward step, however
Monday 24 November 2014 15:21, UK
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has suggested that Formula 1 should adopt power units with standard parts as a cost-cutting measure.
Speaking at Friday’s FIA press conference in Abu Dhabi, Horner said the sport would be better off using V6 engines with twin turbochargers for more noise but with standard energy recovery systems.
“Maybe we need to even go as far as looking at a different engine, a new engine,” he said. “Maybe still a V6 but maybe a more simplified V6 that controls the cost: cost of development, cost of supply to a team and to the privateer teams. I think that’s something we need to have a serious discussion about during the next strategy group.”
This season has seen a radical switch to hybrid power, although the cost associated with developing the new technology – manufacturers Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari have built 1.6-litre V6s using a single turbo without standard parts – has been cited in the downfalls of the Marussia and Caterham teams.
Speaking after the Brazilian GP two weeks ago, Horner went further and suggested that F1 should ditch its new engine formula altogether and revert back to the V8s that were phased out last season.
He’s back-tracked since but claimed that the current engine rules are “unsustainable”.
Horner added: “It’s unsustainable for manufacturers, any of the manufacturers, to keep spending at the level that they are, and therefore, rather than perhaps going backwards with the V8, maybe we should potentially keep the basis of what’s been achieved but look at simplifying it because if the development costs stay at where they are, we will not attract new manufacturers into the sport and we may well drive current manufacturers out of the sport.”
Horner’s sentiment about a return to V8 power echoes that of the sport’s commercial rights controller, Bernie Ecclestone, although cynics would say it also reflects the relatively poor performance achieved this season by Renault, who supply Red Bull.
The partnership racked up four straight world titles between 2010 and 2013 but have trailed a distant second to Mercedes this year.
Ferrari too have struggled in Mercedes’ shadow, with Horner and the Scuderia’s team boss, Marco Mattiacci, also trying hard to relax engine development rules.
That would give Renault and Ferrari more scope to catch up but Mercedes have so far blocked their attempts to allow in-season development starting next season, saying it would push costs even higher.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was also present in the press conference and said that reverting to a simplified V6 would represent a backwards step for F1.
“I fully agree that we have a big responsibility for all teams and we need to look at the costs but you can’t turn the time back,” he said. “Formula 1 is the pinnacle and the pinnacle of technology as well and it is important to attract engine manufacturers in the sport, and actually have brought Honda back into the sport.
“The current format of power units was actually being proposed by Renault back then and for us, as Mercedes, it’s a hugely important showcase of technology, road-relevant technology, hybrid technology, the future.”
But with Caterham administrator and de-facto Team Principal Finbarr O’Connell present, there did seem the possibility of help for the beleaguered outfit, who are racing this weekend after using crowdfunding to raise money.
Should a new buyer be found, the suggestion that Caterham might reduce costs by using year-old power units in 2015 was agreed by all the team bosses present, although the rules would have to be waived for it to happen.
