Mercedes' Cowell no fan of 2018 engine rule

40

Andy Cowell, the man largely responsible for the outstanding quality and performance of Mercedes' power units, says F1's 2018 engine rule is simply 'crazy'.

In its quest to reduce spiraling engine costs in Formula 1, the FIA decided to gradually reduce power unit allocation, with teams forced to rely on just three units this year compared to four in 2017.

Cowell says he's unsupportive of the move, believing the reduction actually defeats the purpose promoted by the sport's governing body.

Mercedes to introduce all-new power unit for 2018!

"It's crazy," he told Italy's Corriere dello Sport, "because the manufacturers will have to virtually redo many parts."

"We will build at least 80-100 engines and then test them on the bench and take the three or four that have the best reliability and power characteristics," said Cowell.

"That's a huge cost that the manufacturers will not be able to recover."

Despite this year's engine step-down, Mercedes won't be resting on its laurels and will introduce a brand new power unit for this season.

"We've got ideas to reduce the friction in pretty much every area of the power unit, or the losses in electrical systems," Cowell told Motorsport.com.

Cowell's words will likely resonate with Mercedes' rivals. In a very negative way...

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.