F1 News
Mercedes open to development that Verstappen would 'find more appealing'
In the recent weeks, after Mohammed Ben Sulayem's comments about the return of the V10 engines, many got eager to to have these power units again in Formula 1. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff explained that his team would be open if that would turn out to be the case.
The famous V10 engines were used in the competition from 2000 until 2005. Toto Wolff explained that no matter the engine, Mercedes are willing to take part after steady evaluation.
"We as Mercedes, we're always open whether that's in the future an 8-cylinder or 10-cylinder, naturally aspirated or turbo, energy recovery, whatever size, absolutely. We need to be open-minded. We're all racers. We like the engines of the past. And then you need to strike the right balance between what is exciting to us dinosaurs, screaming loud engines, and then the fan base and the audiences that are on the track," the Austrian said in the paddock in China.
Wolff wants clear analysis
According to Wolff, Formula 1 audiences have changed over the years, and while some prefer the V10s, it could mean many would rather switch off as a result. "And maybe that has migrated a little bit from pure petrolheads to more younger demographics, to families that are coming onto the track that haven't even been part of those years. And all of this needs to be set as questions as what are the objectives for a future regulation change in a few years," he added.
Therefore, before saying anything about the matter, Wolff wants an analytical approach to the question. "And then let's analyse that based on data and come to a conclusion that is for the best of our sport because this is the single most important denominator between the FIA, Formula 1, the teams that we want to have the greatest product for our fans."
Previously, Max Verstappen was also asked whether such change would make him compete for longer in F1. The Dutchman answered: "Maybe yes. In any case, it is much more appealing than what we have now." Another world champion, Lewis Hamilton would also support the return of the V10s, given they can be sustainable.
This article was written in collaboration with Estéban den Toom
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