Mercedes keen to extend existing F1 engine rules beyond 2021

The Mercedes Formula 1 team is keen to extend the existing engine cycle with definitive regulations still to be firmly outlined ahead of planned changes for 2021.

F1 has been working on a set of new power unit rules to introduce from 2021 but following confirmation of the plans earlier this year, the final regulations are yet to be defined with further discussions continuing over sporting and commercial deals.

The delays in outlining a specific rulebook led F1 sporting boss Ross Brawn to suggest postponing the proposed new engine rules in a bid to attract new manufacturers. Despite the uncertainty, FIA president Jean Todt said the sport is “very close” to finalising the regulations.

Mercedes raised early concerns over the proposal and doubts whether the changes – including producing better sounding, more cost-effective power units - would succeed in the hope of reducing overall net spend and helping to create a level playing field.

Team boss Toto Wolff said he thinks F1 would be better off delaying a regulation overhaul until new manufacturers show significant interest in joining.

“We have been arguing along the line that if we are able to convince another supplier to come in, a big OEM or a great brand, then we need to listen and say is there something we need to do,” Wolff explained.

“But at the moment it doesn’t look as if anybody is able actually to commit for 2021. And insofar, keeping the rules like they are means also avoiding additional costs and further development of the current power unit.

“There are things which you can do to tweak the engine to give it a bit of a better sound and avoid the discussion around fuel efficiency. So this is something that we are still discussing."

Mercedes is currently on course to extend its perfect record of claiming each drivers’ and constuctors’ world championship title on offer since the V6 hybrid era started in 2014, despite facing its biggest threat to date in the shape of a revitalised Ferrari this year.

When asked if Mercedes would be happy to commit to an extra five years in F1, Wolff replied: “I think beyond the engine regulations, it is also tied up into the commercial arrangements we will want to have with Liberty.

“As in the past, we will commit to one if we have visibility about the other.”