Formula One’s governing body were set to unveil regulations for the 2021 season by the end of June. Yet it is now the middle of July and said framework is nowhere to be seen.
A simplified turbo-hybrid engine, sans the MGU-H, combined with the introduction of standardised components were first tabled by Liberty Media at the Bahrain Grand Prix in April.
This new power-unit would be cheaper than the current technological marvels, so as to support the existing teams but also ultimately attract new manufacturers to the sport.
However, following the initial hype around the notion of new marques being attracted, it appears that this is another ambitious prospect set to fizzle out.
As reported by motorsport.com, following the British Grand Prix, a meeting between the Strategy Group suggested that it would be better to keep the current power-unit design – which includes retaining the MGU-H.
Their reasoning was that there has been no commitment beyond the existing group of four manufacturers to Formula One in 2021, despite representatives from Porsche and Aston Martin being present during those meetings.
“All four currently in F1 engaged OEMs would have given their preference, with an understanding from our side that we maybe need a bit more noise, and a discussion around fuel consumption that’s important,” stated Mercedes AMG chief in Toto Wolff following the latest meeting.
“But just for the benefit of redesigning an engine without anybody else entering doesn’t make a lot of sense.
“So, if somebody would commit to come into F1 in the way that we have committed ourselves, all four of us have committed ourselves, go through the lows and highs, the expenses and investment that it needs, then let’s discuss engine regulations. But if nobody’s inside, it’s an academic discussion.”
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While it isn’t yet definitive that there will be a complete U-turn on the regulations proposal, the mere fact that it is a possibility is a concern – particularly considering Liberty Media have set about making Formula One more accessible and sustainable for stakeholders.
The current engine regulations make the sport difficult for independent outfits to contest for wins and championships, and are too intricate for the layman to interpret.
Maintaining the status quo has been a negative aspect of Formula One in the recent past – perhaps one of its biggest issues. 2021 is supposed to be the year that the sport completely transitions into a new era, with the bold ideas from the brains at Liberty championing change.
It may still come to fruition, however once again the deadline for a major regulation has passed and no decision was made.
Regardless of the space between, 2021 is only around the corner. For what should be a seismic change for Formula One, the foundation needs to be laid and the work to have begun for the existing entities and those prospectively on the horizon.
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