Independent engine manufacturer Cosworth has expressed an interest in returning to Formula 1 when new regulations are introduced in 2021.
The interest from Cosworth comes at a point when regulations for the next generation of engines are being negotiated with a view to changes for the 2021 season.
Given the complexity of the current hybrid V6, which has led to high costs and a larger disparity in performance than the previous V8, a simplified version of the V6 could be a viable compromise.
Speaking to Autosport, Cosworth’s CEO Hal Reisinger confirmed that it was starting to commit to an F1 program, having spoken to current and possible future teams.
“We have some verbal agreements to partner with some existing and future teams that would enable us to be a sustainable engine partner,” Reisinger said.
“We think we are well suited to come back into F1 if the engine regulations should change.”
Reisinger, though, says a decision would not have to be taken until next year.
“We would typically start in 2018,” he revealed. “I know there is some discussion about moving it ahead by a year, and that would mean working really soon”
“We would typically start in 2018. I know there is some discussion about moving it ahead by a year, and that would mean working really soon”
Autosport has suggested that Cosworth could link up with Red Bull given that it has provided an engine for the Adrian Newey-designed Aston Martin Valkyrie.
It was also reported earlier this month that both Aston Martin and Cosworth would be present at the new Power Unit Working Group, which also included Zyrtec and Magneti Marelli for the first time.
Cosworth supplied engines for Virgin Racing (later Marussia and Manor), Team Lotus (which became Caterham) and Hispania but ended its involvement in F1 when a ‘budget cap’ failed to materialise.
