As discussions over the future of Formula 1 engines begins, Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul as called on the sport to maintain hybrid power.
There is a desire to see a step back a little from the complex units currently being used with an initial proposal of a more simple twin-turbo V6 + KERS touted post-2020.
While Renault, who strongly backed the switch to the current formula in 2014, is fully aware of the impact the engines have had on the sport both financially and competitively, Abiteboul also believes it is important to remain committed to what he sees as the inevitable future path of car propulsion.
“We are carmakers and the engine is the heart of the automotive industry, so we believe that it needs to be the prevailing factor in Formula 1,” the Frenchman told the official F1 website.
“Having said that, we need to find a better balance than the situation we have now, where the pecking order of the grid is basically the ranking of the engines – which is not healthy for the sport.
“So yes, we need a better balance between the engine as performance differentiator and the fact that a team with a fantastic chassis can also be hugely successful. That is first.
“Secondly we do believe in electrification. The world is going towards lower emissions, so F1 cannot turn its back to this evolution so we need electrification.
“All cars will be hybrid in the future. For sure we don’t mean fully electric cars. It is all about balancing between combustion engines – as this is where the DNA of Formula 1 is – and electrification.
“Then it is much about finding the right balance between the technology and the show. Maybe right now we have an engine that is too complex and too heavy – and is not producing enough sound and horsepower.
“But we are open for any discussions in that direction.”
Several key figures in determining that direction have also spoken out recently, with FIA president Jean Todt ruling out F1 becoming all-electric ala Formula E and the managing director of motorsport at the Formula One Group, Ross Brawn has suggested the future of road car technology is not conducive to the ideals of the sport.
Abiteboul remains committed to fighting the cause for hybrid power, however, revealing: “We have made a proposition to keep the current engine, but increase the fuel flow and increase the sound.
“And we have made a second proposal, which will be a simplification of the current engine by removing some of its elements but still keeping electrification and fuel efficiency.”
