Mercedes-Benz is open to a simpler engine formula if it’ll make it easier for other engine manufacturers, particularly the Volkswagen Group to enter the sport.
Formula 1 is due to introduce a new engine formula from 2025 and manufacturers are discussing how to make power units simpler, cheaper, and more sustainable.
The VW Group, whose brands include Porsche and Audi, has attended engine manufacturer meetings as an interested party with the latest held during the Italian Grand Prix.
Mercedes-AMG F1 team boss Toto Wolff said Mercedes would be willing to get rid of the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat) element, with the new rules possibly delayed to 2026.
The current V6 turbo hybrid power units have two Motor Generator Units, the other being the MGU-K that recovers and supplies kinetic energy from braking. The MGU-H recovers and stores energy from or to the turbocharger.
Formula One said in a statement that Sunday’s meeting involved existing and prospective power unit suppliers as well as the FIA and Formula One.
The sport is hoping to attract more engine manufacturers with Honda pulling out at the end of this season, and Red Bull taking over the Japanese manufacturer’s intellectual property.
Mercedes’s 2021 title rival Red Bull is also keen to simplify the engines and cut out the MGU-H element.
Champions Mercedes supply four of the 10 teams (Mercedes-AMG, McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams) at present, and Ferrari three (Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Haas), with with Renault providing engines to their own Alpine-branded team. Honda work with Red Bull and sister team AlphaTauri.
Red Bull have worked with the Volkswagen Group in the past, notably in the world rally championship before the German manufacturer withdrew, and there has long been talk of a partnership with Audi or Porsche in Formula One.
Meanwhile, former Volkswagen Motorsport head Jost Capito is now boss of the Mercedes-powered Williams team, who announced Red Bull-backed Alex Albon would be racing for them next season.
Formula One’s CEO Stefano Domenicali was previously head of Italian supercar marque Lamborghini, a unit of Audi, while Renault CEO Luca di Meo joined the French manufacturer from VW brand Seat after a stint at Audi.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Feel free to comment or share your views. Comments that are derogatory and/or spam will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to moderate and/or remove comments.