FIA, Formula 1 reveal 2021 engine framework proposal – 1.6L turbo V6 hybrid stays but with modifications

FIA, Formula 1 reveal 2021 engine framework proposal – 1.6L turbo V6 hybrid stays but with modifications

The FIA and Formula 1 have laid out proposals for the next generation of power units (PU) that will be used from 2021, with an overall framework set to be published at the end of 2017.

“We’ve carefully listened to what the fans think about the current PU and what they would like to see in the near future, with the objective to define a set of regulations which will provide a powertrain that is simpler, cheaper and noisier and will create the conditions to facilitate new manufacturers to enter Formula 1 as powertrain suppliers and to reach a more levelled field in the sport,” said Ross Brawn, managing director of Formula 1.

Among the key features of the proposals presented to manufacturer representatives (engine suppliers) is the continued use of the 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 hybrid power unit first introduced in 2014. The single turbo attached to the engine will need to follow dimensional constraints and weight limits.

It isn’t all identical though, as a number of modifications will be introduced, starting with a higher engine rev limit of 18,000 rpm – a 3,000 rpm increase from before. According to officials, this is done to improve the sound of the engines, something that fans have been longing for.

FIA, Formula 1 reveal 2021 engine framework proposal – 1.6L turbo V6 hybrid stays but with modifications

Next up is the introduction of a more powerful MGUK (Motor Generator Unit Kinetic) element, which converts kinetic energy from braking into electrical energy and then deploys it under acceleration via an electric motor.

The more powerful system will focus on manual driver deployment during a race, together with the option to save up energy over several laps to give a driver controlled tactical element to racing. All teams must also use standardised energy storage and control electronics systems, to cut costs.

While the MGUK gets uprated, the MGUH (Motor Generator Unit Heat) element of the power unit will be removed altogether. The MGUH is an energy recovery system connected to the turbocharger, and converts heat energy from exhaust gases into electrical energy.

FIA, Formula 1 reveal 2021 engine framework proposal – 1.6L turbo V6 hybrid stays but with modifications

The energy can be used to power the MGUK, or kept in reserve for later use. It also acts like an e-turbo, controlling the speed of the turbo, speeding it up (to prevent turbo lag) or slowing it down in place of a more traditional wastegate.

There will also be stricter restrictions on the design of engine internals to reduce development costs and “discourage extreme designs and running conditions.” Furthermore, a “higher level” of new external parameters are said to provide teams with a “plug-and-play engine/chassis/transmission swap capability”.

A number of manufacturers have expressed interest in entering Formula One as engine suppliers, subject to the proposed change in engine regulations. The prospect of lower engine development costs have attracted the interest of companies like Porsche and Aston Martin.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard's strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • citizenjohn on Nov 01, 2017 at 4:41 pm

    Each time they lower the cost, they lose more fans. Dun they geddit?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 5
    • sohhai on Nov 01, 2017 at 5:29 pm

      Couldn’t agree more. People want to see F1 cars with the nest technology out there racing. I’d rather have Merc, Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Renault running with 3 or 4 cars to make up the grid if the smaller teams cannot afford to join

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • they say the cost will be lower but in reality the complex turbo V6 are more costly than the previous NA V8. Bring back the NA V8!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
      • Jonn Dol on Nov 02, 2017 at 8:30 am

        Unfortunately, most of the manufacturers & FIA top brass have no interest to return to the days of N.A engines on the basis that it has little/no relation to roadcar engine application.The conventional turbo engine side of things is not a big issue for most of the engine manufacturers these days. The main culprit of the high engine development cost is definitely the energy recovery system/hybrid thingy (the element which should be further dumb down).

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • pondan4 on Nov 01, 2017 at 5:41 pm

      ya man.. imagine Avatar in cheap sake production. How wonderful will that be…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • kzm (Member) on Nov 02, 2017 at 12:46 pm

      This year F1 is quite exciting though

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Jonn Dol on Nov 01, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    I guess FIA still want to have some continuation of the current F1 powertrain concept. Ideally, FIA should have freed up the spec engine configuration rule, and let the engine constructors decide how many engine cylinders that they want to have, while further restricting the hybrid/MGUK unit side of things. A mix of 4,6 & 8 cylinders, turbocharged engine-F1 cars sounds a lot more tempting & interesting!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • alldisc on Nov 01, 2017 at 6:38 pm

    In the 1980s.. Constructors can choose whether they want to use 3.0 V12 NA or 1.5 turbo v6. Easy, right??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • Jonn Dol on Nov 02, 2017 at 8:19 am

      In the early 1980s, Alfa Romeo & Matra (V12 engine) & Cosworth (V8 engine) were the last of the engine constructors that preserved with the N.A engine against the might of the 1.5 turbos. Although eventually & briefly Alfa & Cosworth went for the turbo route. And of course, in those days manufacturers are free to choose the no. of engine cylinders they want to have.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

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