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Have F1 manufacturers formed a 'cartel' to impose their will?

While everyone awaits for the 2021 regulation platform to be set in stone, Formula 1 may just have been dealt a dirty hand by the sport's engine manufacturers.

Months ago, the perception in the paddock was that F1's future engine rules would evolve around a less sophisticated and costly technological foundation destined in part to attract independent manufacturers.

However, the engine of the future would retain a hybrid component in order for F1 to preserve a semblance of relevancy to the road-car industry.

It would be stripped however of the problematic and massively onerous MGU-H element, a decision only Renault appeared to shy away from until recently.

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Switzerland's Blick, through the voice of veteran F1 reporter Roger Benoit, reports however that in a recent meeting between the teams and The Formula One Group, Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault all expressed their will to keep the controversial MGU-H in F1's future engine architecture.

And they want to do it for protectionist reasons according to Benoit.

"This would stop the only serious potential candidate, Porsche, from coming in the door," wrote the reporter.

The manufacturers contend that removing the MGU-H would require a complete redesign of the entire power unit that would be too expensive.

©WRI2

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport says the Mercedes-Ferrari-Renault alliance against the 2021 plans is effectively a 'cartel'.

"They are afraid to give up their position so that Porsche or another manufacturer can't just come in and beat them," a paddock source said.

The whole premise of elaborating a simpler, less expensive engine regulation platform for 2021 is based on attracting independent manufacturers into F1, a purpose defeated by keeping the MGU-H element on board.

Perhaps now we know why Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer has all but given up on his company's F1 engine ambitions for 2021.

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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.