Formula 1 could abandon plans to introduce a new engine formula for 2021 – when major new aerodynamic rules are set to be introduced – instead delaying the engine revamp by a year or two to ensure the sport can attract new entrants.
The sport has been looking to introduce a new engine framework which is cheaper, louder and more attractive to new manufacturers. It centre's on simplifying the overly complicated power unit which is seen as a barrier to entry for new manufacturers, such as Porsche, Aston Martin and Cosworth, all of which have signalled an interest in signing up to the new rules package.
However they have been put off by recent backtracking after current manufacturers demanded the technically complicated and expensive MGU-H remain.
F1's managing director of motorsport, Ross Brawn, hinted that they could choose to delay the introduction of any new engine fomula to ensure it not only appeals to new entrants, but also existing ones.
"We want to try and create a set of technical regulations on the engine which are appealing to new manufacturers coming in as well as consolidate our existing engine suppliers," Brawn said in an interview for the official Belgian Grand Prix race programme.
"I think we just need to think of our timing on that, whether 2021 is the right time to do that, or whether it's better to keep that powder dry until we can be certain that major regulation change will bring fresh blood into the sport."
Fears that the current formula has created an unlevel playing field, and therefore delaying new rules could continue to benefit certain teams, could however be alleviated in the short-term according to Brawn.
"There's still quite a lot we can do on the engine side in terms of sporting regulations such as limits on dyno test time, number of upgrades during a season, consistency of specification to all customer teams etc.
"On the engine, we need to decide if now is the time to have a revolution or an evolution."
