Racing Point technical director Andrew Green claims the current Formula 1 power units are too advanced technologically.
The sport switched to the current V6 turbo hybrid setup in 2014 following a push from manufacturers to be more in line with the high-efficiency trend of road cars.
However, since then, criticism has been persistent of the development costs, the complexity and the reduced sound that today’s cars have.
Given the immaturity of the hybrid technology, it also means manufacturers have made consistent gains in performance, allowing the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari to maintain their advantage.
“I think what we have now is an incredible piece of engineering in the back of the car,” Green suggested. “But it could just be too incredible.
“What we have is potentially something where the technology bar of the power unit is just way too high and I think I would like to see something that is just slightly simpler. That’s my view.”
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Efforts were made to change the power units for 2021, including removing the thermal MGU-H part of the hybrid system, but they were abandoned as potential new suppliers dropped their interest.
The Racing Point chief does admit one key element of the engines must remain though.
“I think I’d never say no to more horsepower. I think the sport can’t have enough horsepower,” he said, with some claiming the 1000hp barrier is in sight.
“We need to make the cars harder to drive. I think more power; a simpler power unit. That’s where I would be going.”
