A meeting of the manufacturer CEOs on Saturday afternoon in Austria is intended to help shape the direction of the Formula 1 drive regulations for 2025.
While discussions with team bosses and representatives of engine suppliers have been going on for some time about the future rules, tomorrow’s high-level meeting will deal with the global picture and the wishes of the major automakers for Formula 1.
The hope is that the rules of 2025 will encourage new OEMs, and the VW group in particular, to jump into the sport, with one source calling the meeting a “last chance” to convince the German giant to finally get involved.
The participating CEOs / chairmen of the manufacturer include John Elkann (Ferrari), Luca de Meo (Alpine / Renault) and Ola Kallenius (Mercedes), while the VW Group is represented by the Audi chairman and Group R&D boss Markus Duesmann and by Porsche will be represented by Managing Director Oliver Blume.
Dietrich Mateschitz, whose Red Bull Powertrains division will be using its own Honda-based PU from the coming season, is also invited.
Also present are Stefano Domenicali and Ross Brawn for Formula 1 and Jean Todt for the FIA.
The debate revolves around the balance between the internal combustion engine and hybrid drive and the role of sustainable fuels.
Red Bull’s entry as an engine supplier has given the discussions a new dynamic, as the company has no reason to push for road relevance and is obviously even more concerned than the manufacturers with keeping development costs under control.
McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl, whose team could be one of the possible candidates for a future partnership with VW / Audi, says the final rules for 2025 must appeal to manufacturers.
“Ultimately, I think it’s just important that the next engine regulations are technically relevant,” he said when asked about Motorsport.com’s 2025 engines.
“Because that is the key to getting current manufacturers interested in Formula 1 as well as attracting new manufacturers. To find out what that is in detail, I think that’s a question to ask the OEMs “or manufacturers that are involved.”
Seidl emphasized, however, that the moment the team does not look beyond the current deal with Mercedes, the team is not looking beyond the current deal with Mercedes: “First of all, with the commitment we have now, we are partnering with Mercedes, more than happy and we are not looking for a change in this regard.
“In general, I think it would be good for Formula 1 if you could get another manufacturer or a major OEM. That would be a great sign for Formula 1 and the future.”
The outgoing FIA President Todt is keen to see sustainable fuels quickly incorporated into Formula 1.
“If we could introduce it today, I would like to introduce it today,” he said at the recent French GP. “That is one of the problems in Formula 1 to reach an agreement.
“So for me, the sooner is the best. And something is certain, it won’t be after 2025. But if we could introduce earlier, I would like to do it. “
