Gian Carlo Minardi, whose former eponymous team opened the doors to Formula 1 for many drivers, hopes that a reform of the engine rules will take place before it is too late.
The new generation of V6 turbo hybrids, which supplies slightly more overall power despite reducing fuel consumption by a third, is a remarkable technological achievement compared to the old V8s. However, development costs have exploded and that has a direct effect on the sales price. Teams that are rich or belong to car manufacturers are doing well, but the smaller independent teams are facing serious financial problems. Caterham closed down during the winter and others remain at risk.
Bernie Ecclestone, the man running F1, insists on an urgent return to the naturally aspirated V8s whose costs were “reasonable.” According to him, “people would return, the show would return, sponsors would return.” In fact, that shortcut is much too simple. F1 also needs to urgently review its governance and its revenue distribution system. But the fact remains that costs related to the engine must quickly be brought down. “It is not a sustainable system when the cost of a power unit represents one third or one quarter of the entire budget of a team”, points out Minardi. To which must be added the spending associated with the management and maintenance of the engines, which are very complex to operate. What about Renault? According to the Italian, Renault will take a decision regarding its future in F1 over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, Honda is still trying to exploit the full potential of its new V6 turbo hybrid. “Today, the risk is to have only one challenge: Ferrari versus Mercedes”, says Minardi. And if Renault decides to quit F1, its clients Red Bull and Toro Rosso will have “the perfect excuse” to do the same “without incurring contractual penalties.” “A similar scenario would be definitely traumatic. What kind of starting grid would remain? I will not even think about it!” However, the purpose of the transition to hybrid power is to attract other car manufacturers to F1. Mercedes and Renault demanded it, and that is precisely what led to Honda's return this year. Minardi insists that “there are companies that stand there watching” to see how the costs issue will be resolved. “One above all is BMW.” But costs must come down before other constructors take on the challenge, stresses Minardi: “It's time to use all the needed energies in order to safeguard what for me, and not only, is still the most amazing sports show in the world.”
Recent Articles
|
Racing Multimedia
Recommendations |