Engine guidelines from 2021 onwards presented: “Cheaper and louder”

Published on 02 November 2017 by Mike Motilall

Today, new guidelines for the engine regulations from 2021 and onwards were presented. The Formula 1, the FIA and Liberty Media have all reached an agreement in making the Formula 1-power units more affordable, louder and simpler. The current 1.6 litre V6 turbo-engine will nevertheless be maintained.

The most important change is that the MGU-H from 2021 onwards will no longer be used, while the MGU-K will get more powerful and will be able to be deployed by the drivers themselves. Moreover, the drivers will have the possibility to conserve the generated power for multiple laps so they will be able to use this more tactically. Currently they are only able to do this for just one lap.

To simplify the engines and to make them particularly more affordable, only one turbo will be allowed, where size and weight will be limited. The batteries and the monitoring electronics will all be standardized. It is also intended to impose stricter fuel regulations, which will lead to a decrease of fuel consumption.

The engine sound has been an issue for much debate over the years. The plan is to make this louder again by an increase of 3,000 rpm’s. These guidelines are not yet regulations that have been set in place. They will be finalized in conjunction with the teams at the end of next year.

Ross Brawn, Managing Director of the Formula 1, sheds some light on the plans: “This is an example of the future cooperation between the FIA, the Formula 1, the teams and the manufacturers, all intent on improving the sport. We have taken well into account the wishes from the fans and think that the guidelines we presented will lead to cheaper, louder and less complex power units. Finally, these new guidelines can create equal competition and attract new engine suppliers.”