Sport

Marchionne warning after 2021 engine plans released

Ferrari threatens to quit F1, plus latest news

Ferrari has threatened to quit formula One at the end of the decade after details of new 2021 engine regulations were released by the sport’s bosses last week.

The proposals suggest retaining the current format of 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid V6 engines, but with the rev limit increased by 3,000rpm for a better sound.

The engines’ hybrid tech would also be simplified, with a single energy recovery system instead of the current two and a greater emphasis on drivers deploying the recovered energy manually. finally, some elements of the engines’ design will be standardised to cut costs.

in a conference call, ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne revealed he was unimpressed with the direction Liberty Media was taking the sport. “The fact we [are] now at odds in terms of strategic development is going to force some decisions on ferrari,” he said.

Marchionne’s comments came after renault and Mercedes had criticised the plans, saying they opened up the risk of a spending ‘arms race’ between teams. Both favour tweaks to the current rules, to avoid having to design new engines from scratch.

However, aston Martin, which is currently considering joining as an engine supplier in 2021, was more supportive of the proposals. CEO andy Palmer said the key would be control of development costs. Detail work on the new rules is set to continue for up to another 12 months before they’re finalised.

elsewhere in f1, after Lewis Hamilton clinched his fourth world title in Mexico, focus now turns to the unconfirmed seats for 2018. Mercedes, ferrari, red Bull, force india and Mclaren are set to retain their drivers for next year, as is renault.

Williams is likely to retain Lance Stroll, but red Bull and Toro rosso refugee Daniil Kvyat is now said to be in the frame for its second seat, as are test driver Paul di resta and robert Kubica. Sauber is under pressure to run ferrari junior drivers, while Haas and Toro rosso’s line-ups could also change; Brendon Hartley is now thought to be set for a full season with the latter after strong races in the US and Mexico.