Hybrid technology in F1 not what the fans expected - Todt

©WRI

40

The advent of Formula 1's hybrid era in 2014 ushered in sophisticated engine technology that went "a bit too far" admits FIA president Jean Todt.

Current power unit regulations were intended to showcase F1 manufacturers' modern hybrid technology and promote its relevancy with the road car industry, but its development has come at the expense of the on-track competition, with Mercedes' V6 hybrid engine clearly dominating its rivals in the past four seasons.

As Formula 1 and the sport's governing body finalise Grand Prix racing's engine regulations from 2021, Todt insists the future platform will strip today's power unit of part of its complexity, mainly by abandoning its costly MGU-H element.

Todt confident Ferrari will remain in F1, with 'good format'

"I think we wanted to take as much as we learned from the existing regulations," said Todt. "And to try to make things more simply.

"It's a beautiful piece of art, of technology, but I hear well that it's maybe not what the fans are expecting.

"It's not something that is absolutely needed to have a good championship.

"So I think it's important that we can learn out of it, and propose something which is supposed to be more simple.

Todt insists however that the pinnacle of motorsport must preserve a core experimental component.

"For me motorsport, and I have been saying that every time, is on one side a show, but it is not enough. It has to be also a laboratory," says the Frenchman.

"A laboratory for the manufacturers, a laboratory for the teams, and a laboratory which can then be profitable on road cars as much as we can. And it is what is happening.

"Saying that, if you think that it has been maybe a bit too far, you must be prepared to go a bit backwards," he adds.

"At the end of the day I'm sure that over the years the engine will be even more efficient without MGU-H."

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.