FIA Reveals New Direction For Next Generation F1 Engines For 2021

Formula 1 bosses and governing body FIA have revealed details on the next generation engines that will make its debut in 2021. F1 teams, the FIA, commercial rights holders, as well as potential new manufacturers met in Paris earlier today to discuss the objectives regarding the new engine rules that will be introduced for the 2021 season. The meeting outlined the objectives by the FIA on the future regulations of the next generation F1 power units (PU), which include improved noise, reduced cost, maintaining road relevance with hybrid technology and more level playing field for teams.

FIA Secretary-General for Sport, Peter Bayer said, "Today was a key step in the development of the Power Unit regulations for 2021. The FIA has been working with the Commercial Rights Holder to define a positive step forward for these regulations which maintain Formula One's place at the pinnacle of motor sport technology whilst addressing the key issues facing the sport such as cost, road relevance and fan experience at the racetrack. We felt it was important to bring the teams into the discussions today and explain the direction we are taking and I'm pleased with the response we have received."

The proposals that were shared have been developed jointly by the FIA and F1 using data and input from teams, power unit suppliers and outside experts. The announcement also said that the overall framework for the 2021 power unit definition will be in place and published by the FIA at the end of 2017. However, FIA will continue working for another year on the new engine specifications, before which teams will not be able to commence work on the new engines.

The proposal for the 2021 power units includes retaining the 1.6-litre V6 Turbo Hybrid, but the motor will run at 3000 rpm higher to improve sound. The proposal also includes simplifying the internals on the PU, in a bid to restrict development costs and discourage extreme designs and running conditions. The MGU-H will be removed as well.

Furthermore, the MGU-K will be made more powerful with focus on manual driver deployment of the additional power, which will have the option to save up energy over several laps to give a "controlled tactical element to racing." There will also be a single turbo with dimensional constraints and weight limits, while a standard energy store and control electronics will be mandated. There will also be high level of external prescriptive design to give 'Plug-And-Play' engine/chassis/transmission swap capability. There will be tighter fuel regulations and limits on number of fuels used.

Formula 1 will see a major overhaul three years from now with new manufacturers, drivers and teams coming in, and this is the beginning towards the same. The current F1 power unit will serve purpose until then. However, the remaining part of 2017 and 2018 will have the FIA, F1 and the teams to establish power unit test and development restrictions as well as cost containment measures.

A series of meetings will now commence with all the interested parties to discuss and develop the proposal in the spirit of the widest possible cooperation.