The power of dreams

Major power unit changes in F1 are now on hold for a few years but the shape these new rules will take is still a hot topic in the paddock – we asked Formula 1’s movers and shakers what they would dearly wish to see in the 2025 engine regulations

- SAM COLLINS

It was all going to change in 2021. Alongside the massive aerodynamic and chassis rule changes Formula 1 was meant to be introducing a completely new power unit; but that will now not happen. Instead, the current power units will be largely carried over to 2021, with some minor cost reduction tweaks including simplifying certain components and restricting materials. Yet the revolution has not been cancelled, merely delayed.

Early in 2019 F1’s chief technical officer, Pat Symonds, revealed that completely new power units would be introduced in 2025. Right now the discussions are starting on this, but there are some varied opinions in the paddock about what should be in the new regulations, and simply by asking a selection of team bosses and technical staff what they would like to see you end up with a very long wish list.

Racing Point technical director Andy Green is clear about what he thinks is needed. ‘I think what we have now is an incredible piece of engineering in the back of the car, but it could just be too incredible. I think what we have is potentially something where the technology bar of the power unit is just way too high and I think I would like to see something that is just slightly simpler. I think I’d never say no to more horsepower, the sport can’t have enough horsepower. We need to make the cars harder to drive. I think more power coming from a simpler power unit is what it should be.’