Ross Brawn has given off the suggestion new engine manufacturers could be given a possible rule break if they enter the sport in the new engine formula beyond 2020.
After Honda’s poor form since they re-entered the sport in 2015, the Japanese company has yet to find a step forward with their program to be able to challenge the other leading manufacturers.
Recently the FIA stated they believed the Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault power units were all within 0.3s of each other. Red Bull’s Christian Horner did refute this possibility and felt it could be as much as 0.8s.
“Under the new [post-2020] regulations, we’ll have to give consideration to new manufacturers who join after the start date, and acknowledge they might need additional support initially,” Brawn told Autosport.
“If you recall the token system, perhaps a new entrant might get more development tokens for the first couple of years – there are some smart initiatives you can use to encourage people into F1.”
Brawn has also said he feels engines should be the performance differentiator within Formula 1 but feels the current regulations have prevented any new manufacturers from taking up the task of building such a unit.
“The old [Cosworth V8-dominated] days, where the engine was in effect just a spacer between the chassis and the gearbox because everybody had the same engine – I don’t think that added a lot of value to F1, whereas there is value to having some differentiation,” Brawn added.
“But it mustn’t get too big, to the extent that it becomes the dominant factor. Finding the balance comes from the point at which you start, because trying to apply corrections afterwards is tricky, emotional, divisive, and it frustrates people.
“Seeing where we are today is a great catalyst for ensuring that the new regulations control the potential for performance differentials, and are attainable by more people.
“The current power units are magnificent pieces of engineering, but unfortunately, as has been demonstrated, you really do struggle as a new manufacturer to get on top of the challenge.
“We don’t want to make it too easy, but we do want new manufacturers to be able to come in, do a respectable job, and be competitive within three years.”
