F1’s current engines are set to be used until the end of the 2024 season before a new powerplant is introduced, with the final summit on the proposals taking place in Austria earlier this month.
Existing players Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Red Bull were joined by representatives from Audi and Porsche for the meeting, in the latest sign of VW Group’s interest in bringing one of its brands to F1.
The meeting was described as largely positive, with F1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali calling it “a good step in the right direction”.
The Aston Martin team is powered by Mercedes but Stroll said he would welcome the arrival of another major manufacturer in Formula 1 to bolster the series.
“I would certainly welcome and welcome the entry of the VW Group,” Stroll said in a select media panel, including Motorsport.com. “I just think it would show us the strength of the sport. The stronger the groups in sport, the better for everyone involved, whether they are fans, whether they are team owners, whether they are FOM or FIA.
“So I know they’re quite deep in talks about returning with one or two of their brands and I’m really excited and supportive of them getting into the sport.
“I think it would be great.”
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With Honda retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the year, officials are keen to introduce a power unit that is both cheap and sustainable, with a key focus on e-fuels.
Red Bull will take over Honda’s existing engines as a first step towards producing its own powertrains from 2025 and has called for a “clean sheet” approach at that point.
Williams’ current CEO, Jost Capito, was formerly director of motorsport at Volkswagen and expressed his belief that F1 needed a “significant change” to be in line with the road car industry.
“If you look at where the automotive industry is going, the CO2 discussion is an issue,” said Capito. “I am firmly convinced that Formula 1 must also go to zero CO2 from 2025, but there are more technical possibilities than just fully electric. E-fuels are something that needs to be studied, looked at and thought about in combination with hybrids.
“From my point of view, these systems and technologies have a future for mobility and therefore I think that the regulations should go in this direction, but should examine all options.
“It is therefore right that the car manufacturers must be included in the discussion. They must be convinced of the new regulations, otherwise they would not participate.”
