A new power unit is a certainty in the near future according to Bernie Ecclestone, with the 85-year-old admitting he has grown tired of the expensive V6-hybrid currently in use.
Whilst the FIA’s proposal for an independent engine was shot down during a recent vote, the idea isn’t dead according to Ecclestone. He insists it either becomes a reality or the manufacturers agree to a new set of engine regulations.
“We want an engine from an independent manufacturer to foster competition and achieve closer power density,” he told Germany’s Welt newspaper.
“When I say independent, I mean a manufacturer who is independent of the major automobile groups.
“This does not mean that we want to drive away the major manufacturers in Formula 1, on the contrary. We just want a powerful power unit that can be bought cheaper and any team can use.”
He suggested it could come into effect in 2018, rather than 2017 which was originally proposed and admitted the FIA could force the change upon the manufacturers if they don’t agree – something Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt can do under new powers granted by the World Motor Sport Council.
“The bottom line is: the discussions surrounding a new engine from 2018 are not finished but still ongoing,” he added.
“The teams, manufacturers and us now have to find a reasonable, common solution. If this is not reached, the FIA will install clear guidelines for a new engine.
“Should the teams and manufacturers not like the regulations, they also have the right to respond or either they cease to compete in F1 or they protest to the FIA – or whatever.”
He added: “There will certainly be a different engine in the future, or a set of regulations for a new engine, which have more horsepower and are much cheaper. That is clear to me.
“We must not allow F1 to be destroyed. But if we continue as we do at the moment we’re right on course to destroy it. I won’t let that happen.”
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