'Porsche as engine supplier in 2022 is unrealistic'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Formula 1 has to make do with only three manufacturers now and in the years to come, and possibly a fourth. These are, of course, Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault, as well as Honda if Red Bull Racing takes over their engine and continues to develop it. For some time now, however, there have been calls for more manufacturers, and two interested parties would be Porsche and Volkswagen.
New engine regulations
As it looks now, it only makes sense for new manufacturers to step in by 2026, because then the engine regulations will be overhauled. Getting in now would simply cost too much money and would not be profitable for the next few years. Something has to change, according to McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl, who has indicated that he does not expect Porsche to be admitted in 2022.
Seidl was working at Porsche before he joined McLaren, so Formel1.de asked him for his opinion. Seidl: "Of course I cannot speak for Porsche. But if you look at the overall picture, from my perspective, it is not realistic at the moment for a new manufacturer to take part in Formula 1 in the coming years."
This is "because the investment you have to make, together with the time it takes, is too high and too long to achieve a competitive package." This is something that Formula One, together with the teams and the FIA, should take a serious look at so that the entry threshold is lower. After all, this would make it more attractive for new manufacturers to make the move.
He continues: "Formula One, together with the FIA and the teams, as well as the engine manufacturers and potential new manufacturers, should develop a clear plan of what the next evolution of engine rules will be. I think that is the key question that needs to be answered before we can also look at timetables or new potential entrants."
This is the first step with the new Concorde Agreement, says Seidl: "I think what has happened on the side of the teams is that signing the new agreement is positive for the future. Especially with the budget constraint coming into effect, which clearly means that it is possible to make this Formula One platform sustainable and profitable. The next step to be taken now is to do the same on the power sources side."