F1 News
Red Bull wanted "absolute clarity" for 2020 F1 engine regulations
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
Having clarity on what is and isn't allowed with the F1 power units for the 2020 season was of extreme importance, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has explained as their engine partners Honda continue catching up to the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes.
Although no official complaint was handed to the FIA and therefore no investigation was done, Red Bull did ask the FIA for clarification on the legality of certain types of fuel flow into the power unit ahead of the US Grand Prix, as the Bulls reportedly grew suspicious of Ferrari's incredible gains after the summer break.
"We were very grateful for the clarification that came," Horner told Autosport when quizzed about whether the rules were exploited at that time. "That's for the benefit of everybody."
After that week of tension on the grid between the top teams, the FIA have made potential grey areas in the power unit regulations more water tight to create a more even playing field for all four current engine manufacturers (Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda and Renault).
Horner explained this "lockdown" in multiple areas of the regulations was much needed as the complexity of the engines continues to grow.
"The power unit aspect of the car is an incredibly complex piece of kit," the Brit continued.
"And I think that the FIA don't have the expertise that the teams have developed.
"I think what has been clarified is a lockdown in various areas, which is focused on what's happening going forward rather than looking behind us.
"And for us, what was enormously important was to have absolute clarity going into the 2020 season."