New F1 engine from 2021

Yesterday Formula 1 bosses and the FIA revealed its plans for a new engine from 2021. 

The proposals are aimed at reducing costs, "improving the sound" and increasing competitiveness between teams. The plan is to retain a 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid but to remove one of the two ways currently used to generate hybrid power, allowing drivers to have greater control over energy deployment.  The main proposals are:

• A 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid.
• Engines running 3,000rpm faster to improve sound.
• The removal of the MGU-H, which is largely responsible for muting the sound made by the current engines.
• A more powerful MGU-K - which recovers energy from the rear axle - to make up the loss in hybrid energy from the MGU-H and with the option for a driver to save up energy over a number of laps to add a tactical element to the racing.
• A single turbo with constraints on dimensions and weight.
• Standard battery and control electronics.
• Research into tightening up fuel regulations

The new formula will enable smaller, private engine companies to enter F1 and compete with the manufacturers and attract other car companies into the sport. “The new F1 has the target to be the world’s leading global sports competition married to state of the art technology. To excite, engage, and awe fans of all ages but to do so in a sustainable manner. We believe that the future power unit will achieve this,” states Ross Brawn, F1 managing director. The overall framework for the 2021 engine will be published at the end of 2017.