F1 teams approve engine freeze from 2022, positive response for sprint races

Formula 1 teams have unanimously approved the introduction of an engine freeze from 2022 following a push from Red Bull.

F1’s stakeholders, made up of F1, the governing body the FIA, and the 10 teams, met on Thursday for a crunch meeting to discuss a number of significant developments in the sport, including a plan to freeze engine development.

Lobbying for such a move was led by Red Bull, which plans to take over the Honda engine project after the Japanese manufacturer leaves F1 at the end of the current season.

Red Bull was adamant it could not afford to develop the power unit in-house to the same levels as manufacturers Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault, and only had the resources for the continuation provided a freeze on engine specifications was implemented.

Crash.net understands an engine freeze was approved by all the teams and the four power unit manufacturers.

Red Bull is now expected to finalise a deal to take over Honda’s engines, which was given the green light by the Japanese manufacturer last month.

A proposal to introduce a shorter ‘sprint’ race on Saturdays at races in Canada, Italy and Brazil this year was also discussed and received positive response from the F1 Commission, though a final decision on the matter has not been taken.

While teams are open to trialing the idea, final details need to be finalised.

F1’s suggestion was to replace Friday’s second practice session at the three aforementioned events with a qualifying to set the grid for the 100km sprint race, which in turn would determine the grid for Sunday’s grand prix.

Reduced championship points would also be handed out to the top eight finishers.

Talks regarding a proposal to introduce salary caps on drivers and the highest-paid team members are also ongoing.

Plans to include the Portuguese Grand Prix as the third round of the 2021 F1 season on 2 May were also communicated to teams.