The FIA has outlined its regulations for the 2021 Formula 1 power unit after a meeting today in Paris 

With input from teams, engine suppliers and ‘outside experts,’ the FIA’s framework for Formula 1’s power unit rules will be fully published at the end of 2017. Further amendments to reduce the costs of the power unit will be made through 2018, as the FIA and F1 work with teams to set restrictions for power unit testing and development, as well as cost-control measures.

The 2021 power unit retains its 1.6 litre, V6 turbo hybrid set-up, but with a 3000rpm increase in engine running speed to improve its sound. The MGUh will be removed and a more powerful MGUk will take its place, with drivers able to manually deploy the MGUk’s power over a number of laps or save kinetic energy for later use. 

Energy store and control electronics will be standardised, with the FIA prescribing much of the new design to reduce costs and enable what it calls a “Plug-and-Play” capability, allowing the engine, chassis, and transmission to be swapped with ease. Furthermore, fuel and oil-burning regulations will be tightened.

Ross Brawn, Formula 1’s motorsports director, says: “The 2021 power unit is an example of the future way the FIA as regulators, F1 as commercial right holders, the teams and the manufacturers as stakeholders will work together for the common good of the sport. The proposal presented today was the outcome of a series of meetings which took place during 2017 with the current teams participating in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship and the manufacturers who showed their interest to be part of the pinnacle of motor sport.

“Also, we’ve carefully listened to what the fans think about the current PU and what they would like to see in the near future with the objective to define a set of regulations which will provide a powertrain that is simpler, cheaper and noisier and will create the conditions to facilitate new manufacturers to enter Formula 1 as powertrain suppliers and to reach a more levelled field in the sport. The new F1 has the target to be the world’s leading global sports competition married to state of the art technology. To excite, engage, and awe fans of all ages but to do so in a sustainable manner. We believe that the future power unit will achieve this.” 

From the Archive: Buckle up! It’s about to get tough out there