Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

Ecclestone to force return to V8s

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In his quest to bring competition and entertainment back into Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone will attempt to force teams to return to using V8 engines as soon as next year.

Formula 1's technical evolution in 2014 which saw the introduction of hybrid V6 power units has been the subject of much debate amongst the sports' die-hard fans.

Criticized for its low-sounding rumbling and its sophistication which has led to the dominance of the Mercedes team, the V6 unit is now perceived by Ecclestone as F1's curse and one which the 84-year-old would like to get rid of as soon as possible.

But a switch back to V8s, especially on such short notice, would engender huge costs for engine manufacturer's who have invested heavily in the new engines, and at a time when the sport is pondering ways to induce cost savings.

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Also, with the technical rule book on the engine front theoretically fixed until 2020 any change would require total consent from all teams. But Ecclestone would be willing to circumvent the group's approval and enforce a change no matter how.

“I don’t think we should get consent from the teams," F1's supremo told The Independent.

"I think we should just do it and say to them, ‘If you don’t like it you can go to arbitration’. We could get the V8s back next year. People can build them in no time so we ought to do it.”

There's no doubt that a return to V8 power would level the playing field and provide easier access to an engine supply, and perhaps even encourage new teams to enter Grand Prix racing, but the choice would also depart Formula 1 from the technical challenges embodied by the highly evolved hybrid power unit.

“This engine shouldn’t have been that complicated, to be honest with you,” Ecclestone said. “It was only when the engineers got hold of it that it became complicated. The product is not fit for the purpose.”

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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.