In an interview with Motorsport.com, Red Bull’s Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey claims Formula One is at risk of becoming a two-horse race with only Mercedes and Ferrari capable of winnings races if the sport does not embrace the ideas put forward of independent engines.
The current Formula One engine manufacturers have until the 15th of January to put forward any proposals they may have to cut engine costs. Whilst the manufacturers are keen to come up with a solution Newey believes the only option that should be considered is the introduction of independent engines, as was the case in the 1960s and 1970s. Due to the regulations in the current era and the cars being so engine dominated Newey thinks only the main works team, in this case Mercedes can win the championship.
Due to the regulations in the current era and the cars being so engine dominated Newey thinks only the main works team, in this case Mercedes can win the championship.
“If you look back at F1’s history, when it is being at its most healthy is when private teams can have access to competitive power units. The Cosworth DFV was the best example of that.
“The cost will be much more reasonable, but I think it is just as important that there is the availability of a competitive power unit.”
“At the moment, the customer teams of Mercedes and Ferrari are not offered the same specification as the works teams.
“So we are actually in the situation where only a works Mercedes or possibly a works Ferrari can win races or championships, which to me isn’t what F1 should be.”
The introduction of independent engines has been met with a lot of criticism. Many believe anyone wishing to supply independent engines to Formula One will struggle with getting the performance balance correct, which will cause a bigger gulf in performance than we already have. Despite most people being against this idea Newey believes this would actually spice up the racing with some teams having a bigger advantage on one track whilst they struggle on another.
“The whole idea of an independent power unit is it allows small teams to have a fully competitive power unit,”
“Producing a power unit which if it’s not constrained by the regulations, which is fully competitive, is very easy. So it is then trying to get the balance of power right between the independent engines and the works engine.
“I think what could be exciting about that is the characteristics will be different with the independent engines. That means at some races the independent engine could have an advantage.
“At other races it will be at a disadvantage, but from a general public interest point of view, to me that evens out what you want because it means you get different winners at different races. It is unpredictable.”
With any decision like this the future competitiveness and attractiveness of Formula One hangs in the balance but as long as the FIA and the teams come to a suitable agreement it can only make the sport better.
