Coming to a solution that works for everyone on the engine regulations for 2021 is "decisive" for Formula 1, according to Toro Rosso Team Principal Franz Tost.
The issue picked up pace in the final few weeks of the season after the sport's owners Liberty Media and governing body, the FIA jointly revealed a first concept engine based on the conclusions of talks held between themselves and manufacturers, both current and potential, throughout the year.
Much to the surprise of F1 bosses especially, the ideas, including a removal of the MGU-H and a higher rev limit of the current V6 turbo, were met with backlash from those currently supplying engines to the teams.
"Well there is a proposal for a new power unit regulation, but Ferrari, Mercedes and others are not happy about this," Tost commented, with the two mentioned both threatening to quit.
"From their point of view, it is understandable because they don’t want to build another engine and give up their advantage. So it is now in the hands of the commercial rights holder and the FIA to find a good ‘midway’ or whatever to find stable rules."
Managing Director of Motorsport Ross Brawn has made it clear changes to the engine regulations introduced in 2014 are necessary despite the unrest caused and the Toro Rosso boss agrees, believing they have put the sport on a downward path.
"This is very decisive not only for the future of F1, but also for any possible manufacturer wanting to join F1. So a decision is important," the Austrian claimed. "I personally hope that the power units become much cheaper – and less complicated.
"The regulations we have now were made by engineers – they had their playground, but at a very high price, not only financially but also on the fan side. Had Ferrari not been able to close the gap to Mercedes this year and Mercedes had been way in front again, the interest of F1 fans would have dropped dramatically.
"Fans want to see interesting on-track fights and many different teams and drivers capable of winning races."
Next year will see the junior Red Bull team work with a third different engine supplier in as many years after agreeing to work with Honda to allow McLaren's troubled partnership to come to an end after three years.
Though there is undoubtedly a risk with the switch, Tost claims he is delighted to be in a position that could see significant benefits if the Japanese manufacturer starts to perform well.
"I am very happy because we are their only partner in F1," he said. "I see it already with the design of the monocoque: we can come up with our own ideas and are not having to take what others have planned for themselves.
"That is a big advantage and because we are the only one, we’re sure will have enough power units and parts for the whole season! It is fantastic to be the ‘benchmark’ for an engine manufacturer."
