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Horner demands F1 stands firm on engine decisions

"I really hope that for Formula 1's sake there is a strong decision made that isn't a compromise. The problem with a compromise is that it doesn't suit anybody."

Red Bull boss Christian Horner says with the emergence of Formula E as a potential new home of future motorsport technology Formula 1 is now at a ‘crossroads' ahead of its power unit decision from 2021.

Since Liberty arrived as the F1 owners focus has centred around future power unit regulations which are set to be introduced in 2021, a debate which has taken a fresh turn since Mercedes announced it would be entering Formula E along with the likes of Porsche, Audi, BMW, Renault, Citroen and Jaguar.

Ross Brawn has been installed by Liberty to oversee the future of the technical rules in the sport while recent meetings have been held between current and prospective engine manufacturers interested in joining F1 to voice their opinions.

Horner says key decisions will need to be made before the new regulations arrive which will dictate the future of F1 for the next decade to realise whether it sticks to the technology which trickles down to future road cars or head in a different direction.

"We have seen all these manufacturers now signing up to Formula E - that is where the technology belongs and where the electric cars belong," Horner told Sky Sports F1. "Formula 1 is really at a crossroads because the power unit that is picked for 2021 onwards is probably going to have between an eight and 10-year life.

"What are people going to be driving on the roads in 2030? Will they be autonomous? Will they be electric? If you listen to our Government, they're saying they certainly will be [electric].

"So Formula 1 is at a crossroads where it has to decide what its future is. Is it outright racing? Is it combustion engines? Is it man and machine wanting to know who the best driver, with the technology perhaps playing a slightly lesser role?"

Horner believes the future regulations should prioritise drivers being the key difference to performance rather than manufacturers which has been the case in the V6 hybrid era with Mercedes dominating.

"I certainly hope the regulations that are brought in post-2020 bring those aspects to the forefront and that it is about the driver," he said. "The team should absolutely make the difference, but it shouldn't be a power unit-dominated formula, which is pretty much what we have today."

Zdroj: crash.net