F1 | Engines of the future, Seidl: “Formula 1 must choose which direction to follow”

In recent weeks we have been wondering what the Formula 1 of the future will be like. The power units, in the Circus since 2014, are starting to raise more than a few eyebrows, and Honda's exit at the end of 2021 does nothing but fuel serious doubts about the usefulness of this technology (changes may be implemented in 2026, ed) in the top motorsport competition. The much vaunted cost reduction of a few years ago has gone down the drain, and the ultra-frozen technical regulation has established hierarchies that are difficult to overturn (we talk about it , here, , here e , here). Formula 1 has been entrusted to the delicate hands of Stefano Domenicali, who will have the arduous task of making this little toy more attractive and competitive, without however distorting it, as unfortunately we have become accustomed to over the years. Andreas Seidl, McLaren team principal, has an idea in the words released to RaceFans.

“There have been discussions – Seidl admitted – with initiatives proposed to see how costs could be lowered and power units simplified in order to attract illustrious names such as Ilmor or Cosworth. The key to this is that Formula 1, together with the FIA, the teams and engine manufacturers, as well as potential new entries, will have to come up with a plan to review the regulations in the future. I think this is the main point to resolve. At the end of the day, there are two possible directions: the first is to continue to have power units that are at the forefront of technology and that are a platform capable of developing engines in road cars; or go in the opposite direction, i.e. simpler and cheaper engines. I believe we need these answers before we see new entries into Formula 1."