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Lowe: F1 engines not the sport’s biggest problem

Williams chief Paddy Lowe says the F1 engine aren't its major issue point towards the current performance split between Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull to the rest of the grid.

Williams technical chief Paddy Lowe says Formula 1's biggest problem isn't finding new engine regulations but providing a platform where more teams can fight equally, pointing to the top three teams split from the midfield.

Yesterday the FIA released its "clear direction" proposal for its 2021 engines which retains the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid concept but heightens the maximum RPM to improve engine sound while dropping the MGU-H and standardising the energy store and control electronics.

Speaking before the official release of the proposal in Mexico, Lowe reiterated his belief the engine isn't the key factor in improving F1 as he feels regardless of regulations the factory teams are likely to always have an advantage.

"I think when you look at F1 there is a lot of discussions about the problems with engines it isn't the biggest problem in the sport," Lowe said. "It is seen as a problem among the top three teams fighting for the top steps but the biggest problem at the moment is the disparity to the remainder of the teams. It is not a round engine choice.

"If you go look at the race in Austin and the performance split between the top six, well top five in the end, and then the rest. It was two different races and that isn't split on engine grounds."

Instead, Lowe points to the performance deficit between Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull against the rest of the field. While each customer team has the same specification engine available to them as the manufacturer, the Williams chief feels problems remain elsewhere considering the rest of the field is considerably off the pace of the top three teams.

With the exception of Lance Stroll's podium at the manic Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the podium has been locked out exclusively by the top three teams while fourth place has only been taken by a non-top three team on two occasions so far in 2017. The last F1 race victory not achieved by Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull came at the 2013 Australian Grand Prix by Kimi Raikkonen for Lotus.

Lowe fears if the 2021 engine plans could actually achieve the opposite of its desired effect as it denies the opportunity for regulation stability and team pace convergence.

"I think whenever you change regulations you always create opportunity and actually create a divergence whether it is around engines or current limits," he said. "What creates convergence is regulation stability.

"The more you leave things alone - you see it with the engines today as they are a lot closer than they were three years ago. I think the new regulation change must be done with great care. I find it curious that people place emphasis on new regulations needed to create convergence when it does the opposite."

Zdroj: crash.net