F1 teams have mixed feelings about FIA's proposal to introduce low cost "client engines" in '17. The motorsports governing body last week announced its plan for a much cheaper alternative to F1's current 1.6-liter V6 hybrid power units, which have a reported €20M ($22M) price tag. While not yet confirmed, the alternative engine is expected to be a 2.2-liter twin turbo V6, which is essentially the same engine that is used in IndyCar. The plans follow Ferrari's decision to veto a proposed cost cap of €12M ($13.2M) for current power units, which teams unanimously agreed on at the last strategy group meeting. The FIA is planning to launch a tender process for the alternative engine that is expected to attract companies such as Cosworth and Ilmor. F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, who from the beginning had his issues with the new power units, first brought up the idea for an independent engine supplier.
RESISTANCE FROM TEAMS: However, teams up and down the pitlane seem hesitant about the idea of two different types of engines in F1. "These new power units that we have, they may be expensive but the technologies that they incorporate are all about driving innovations, and we have to be at the cutting edge of that," said Claire Williams, deputy team principal at Williams F1. The proposed new low-budget engines might be a step in the wrong direction, as they don't have the hybrid element in them, Williams added. Sauber Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn agrees that F1 should showcase the latest technology and believes the series should stick with the V6 hybrids. For her, the problem has to do with the way the new technology was implemented. "The implementation was too shortly timed and at a far too high price," she said. Kaltenborn advocates for a sensible price point where nobody loses. She said the number put forward by the FIA was such a figure. There is also fear that F1's manufacturers -- Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda -- that invested millions in the development of the engines could pull out should the series revert back to simpler specifications. "They’ve all bought into this power unit that we have at the moment as it relates very well to their road car business," Williams said. "If we go back to an old engine what is that going to do to them?" She added that losing those manufacturers would be even more damaging to the sport.
SINGLE EXCEPTION: Red Bull has so far been the only team that welcomed FIA's move toward client engines. However, the team's current engine situation may have contributed to its positive attitude on the issue. Red Bull is without an engine for next year -- let alone '17 -- following a public spat with current partner Renault. Speaking to grandprix24.com, Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko said, "This is the way back to real racing. We always said that hybrid is the wrong way, but at the time everyone laughed at us."
SBD Global was on the ground in Mexico to cover F1's return to the country.
