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Carey: Unchanged engines for 2021 to avoid 'unintended consequences'

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Formula 1's decision to remain with its current power unit platform for 2021 is intended to preserve stability rather than risk "unintended consequences" says F1 CEO Chase Carey.

From the outset, when Liberty Media took over Grand Prix racing at the end of 2016, the commercial rights holder vowed to overhaul the sport's technical and sporting regulations, and introduce a cheaper and simpler new engine format that would favor participation from independent engine suppliers.

Along the way however, F1's manufacturers argued that a significant change of the engine rules would require massive research and development costs.

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Coupled with a lack of interest from independent suppliers, the sport has subsequently decided on a status quo for 2021.

"As we got into discussions, I think we all came to an agreement that the right path was more stabilising the existing engine," explained Carey.

F1 would therefore rely on "series of sporting and technical regulations" to spice up the action and deal the issue of high costs.

"Some of those regulations are still evolving," Carey continued. "I think right now we're on a pretty good path.

"Early on we agreed on simpler, cheaper, louder, more power, let the drivers drive.

"As we went through we felt it was best to stabilise the existing engine and then achieve our objectives through those (other) regulations," he said.

Carey said that by keeping the current engines basically the same into 2021 and beyond, F1 will also avoid the "unintended consequences of a new engine".

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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.