Vettel wants F1 to 'double the cylinders'
Sebastian Vettel admits he would like to end Formula 1's controversial 'power unit' era.
The sport moved away from its fuel-hungry and famously-loud fully normally-aspirated engines at the end of 2013, replacing them with the hybrid 1.6 litre turbo V6 that persist today.
Now, it is reported that F1's next move for 2025, alongside a push for carbon neutrality, could be a move to two-stroke engines, powered by innovative green, bio or synthetic fuels.
But Vettel, an avowed racing 'purist', says that if he was in charge of F1, he would do something different.
"My first act would be to double the number of cylinders," the Ferrari driver, spotted at Kitzbuhel last weekend with Bernie Ecclestone and Red Bull, is quoted by Kolner Express.
"I would also remove the batteries. I do not think they are needed, except to start the car," Vettel added.
However, F1 legend Gerhard Berger's vision of the future of the series he leads, DTM, is vastly different. The former Ferrari and McLaren driver envisions fully-electric 1000 horsepower touring cars capable of well over 300kph.
"We are talking about high-performance driving machines that, like the DTM, will enable spectacular wheel-to-wheel racing," said the former Ferrari and McLaren driver.
Nico Rosberg, who invests heavily in green innovation, is also open to motorsport's electric future.
"The hybrid engine is more efficient than the combustion engine, even with synthetic fuels," said the 2016 world champion.
"Electric power will become even more sustainable thanks to new battery technology. I already said in 2018 that Formula 1 will eventually merge with Formula E."
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Make 'em loud, fast and scary. Fans love it. I appreciate the "green" attitude and believe in human caused climate change, but if we can't enjoy our indulgences our interest in life will atrophie. Selfish?...yeah, I suppose so.
F1 e power at 1000+ horses? Sure, then add the sound of a screaming V10 and we're all happy.
Except perhaps those who do not understand your wish to create needless noise pollution. As someone who follows F1 I do not think the sport is about noise. I think noise is only required by immature people, and effort should be focused on innovation and development which will hopefully benefit everyday transport eventually, not wasted working on how to make more noise.
Yep, 58 yrs in motorsports and I admit and embrace my immaturity. BTW, I also don't give a rat's behind if racing benefits "everyday transport". V10's, little downforce and let it rip. This is F1, not the namby pamby grand prix. What, not PC or 'woke' enough? Sorry, I'm part of the problem, not the solution. (smile and guffaw)
Well said.Reallyoldracer. I've been interested since 1955 when drivers actually drove the cars, not just flicked paddle wheels. Bring back proper gear levers and clutches - then we'll see who the best drivers are. And YES until recently noise has always been heart of the sport.
The sound of the engine is a part of F1. If it doesn't work for you then there is the boring, struggling E series. If noise is pollution we should start by silencing all musical instruments...they make noise. An F1 engine is a musical instrument.
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