Formula 1 teams have unanimously agreed to freeze engine development from the start of 2022 during an F1 Commission meeting on Thursday.
In reality, the decision brings forward an original freeze intended for 2023, but it was a critical demand from Red Bull, who are now almost certain to take over production of their current Honda power units from next season.
All manufacturers had voiced support for the proposal providing the regulation of the freeze was sufficient and in a vote, all 10 backed the plan, although details have yet to be confirmed.
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Also announced was an intention to introduce a new F1 engine formula in 2025, again one year earlier than originally planned.
“The definition of the objectives for the next generation of F1 car and power unit is of the utmost importance to the FIA and Formula 1,” a statement read.
“Together with teams and power unit manufacturers, there is strong alignment on the overall goals – particularly the need to reduce cost and reach carbon neutrality.”
Other objectives laid out for the new engine included: “Social automotive relevance, fully sustainable fuel, creating a powerful and emotive power unit, as well as attractiveness to new power unit manufacturers,” as quoted by Motorsport Week.
Those final points are key as F1 has never really got fans to look beyond the lack of noise from the current V6 hybrids which were introduced in 2014.
Indeed, this was highlighted by the response to Fernando Alonso completing demonstration laps in a V10 Renault in Abu Dhabi last year.
And as for new suppliers, Honda was the most recent in 2015 and is now departing after just seven seasons after 2021.
But there have been unconfirmed rumours that Audi is interested in joining F1 when the new units are introduced.
