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.
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.
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.
