FIA and Formula One set the direction of tomorrow's power unit

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Yesterday's meeting in Paris on the future evolution of F1's power unit yielded a broad agreement between the FIA and all involved parties.

The meeting took place at the governing body's headquarters and brought together F1's key stakeholders, which included the sport's new rights holder, current power unit suppliers, and a diverse group of representatives from the automotive industry.

It is reported that the discussions resulted in a broad agreement on the future direction of F1's power unit regulations, with a focus on preserving F1's cutting edge technological profile as well as maintaining its relevancy to road cars.

But the backdrop of the meeting also included an approach to making the F1 engine of tomorrow more simple and less costly to develop and produce, and also better sounding!

The approach implies that Formula 1 will likely abandon the current 1.6-litre turbo hybrid platform from 2021 when the current engine rules expire, although part of its technological foundation may remain.

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"I was very pleased with the process, and the fact that so many different stakeholders were able to agree on a direction for the FIA Formula One World Championship in such an important technical area," said President Jean Todt.

"Of course, now we must sit down and work through the fine details of exactly what the 2021 power units will be - but we have begun on the right foot, and I am looking forward to working through the process to come up with the best decision for Formula One into the future."

"The FIA Formula One World Championship is committed to running the current 1.6-litre six-cylinder turbo hybrid power units until 2020," said the FIA in a brief statement.

"The current units have demonstrated astonishing technological advancement, producing between 900 and 1000 horsepower, while saving 30 per cent on fuel consumption compared to previous generation engines, and approaching the magic 50% thermal efficiency number - a figure that was unheard of three years ago.

"From 2021, the championship can introduce a new power unit configuration."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.