F1 2021: 4 Manufacturers Eyeing Grid

Liberty Media intends to introduce a cheaper, louder and simpler engine formula after the current era ends in 2020. However, Mercedes and Ferrari were among the few teams who opposed it. According to BBC reports, Ilmor and Cosworth are interested in the F1 2021 rules. These two independent engine manufacturers are familiar with F1 in the pre-‘power unit’ era.

Cosworth chief Bruce Wood confirmed, “The new proposal makes it possible for an independent or existing car company”. Red Bull sponsor Aston Martin is also eyeing the post-2020 engine rules. Meanwhile Germany’s Auto Bild claims that Porsche could enter the sport as well. However, retired Porsche sports car driver Mark Webber insisted: “Porsche in formula one? It will not happen.”

McLaren boss Zak Brown, he admitted he hopes the 2021 rules succeed in tempting more engine makers into the sport. He said “It would be great to have an independent engine or two, so that if you aren’t in a situation where you have a manufacturer, you still have economical and yet still competitive options”.

The pair say it is almost impossible for a new company to compete with the current engine suppliers under the existing rules. Cosworth was the last independent engine manufacturer to take part in Formula 1, before pulling out after 2013.

Steve Miller, managing director of Ilmor which ran the Mercedes F1 engine programme until the early 2000s, said the new rules proposed last week by governing body the FIA and the F1 Group from 2021 “open the scope to a much broader range of manufacturers” by making it cheaper to design and build an F1 engine.

However, both companies say they would need investment from an external backer before they could contemplate making an F1 engine, even under the proposed new rules.