Formula One Teams Pushing for New Engine Support

2021 may seem a long way away for most Formula One fans, but teams and engine manufacturers are already preparing for the next generation of engines.

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Formula One has been a series surrounded by its engine partners for many years. Marques like Renault, Ferrari, Honda and Mercedes remain active players in the 2017 championship, but many more have graced the field over the decades. Could new, or even some old, faces appear in F1 with the new 2021 engine regulations?

Meetings are reportedly already underway between potential engine partners and the FIA, helping to craft the regulations for the power plants of F1’s future. Among the names already floating around the group that currently do not compete in the world championship are Porsche, Cosworth, Ilmor and Alfa Romeo. The question becomes how many of them can commit the effort and funding to that role.

Immediately Porsche’s name jumps to the top of the list as one of the top racing manufacturers in the world. They compete primarily in sports car divisions, with a full works WEC LMP1 team and many teams in GT racing series, like the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship. However, the German marque will return to single-seater open-wheel racing in the near future, fielding a team in Formula E, at the expense of the WEC effort. Could a move into Formula One finally be in the cards too, after years of rumors?

Cosworth and Ilmor are two interesting names that appear on the list, as both have often partnered with brand names to help get their engines out there. Consider the former Cosworth engines branded as Fords in Champ Car, and the Ilmor engines known as Chevrolets in IndyCar as examples. But, this has not always been the rule. Cosworth provided the engines to three recent F1 ventures, all now defunct, including Manor Racing and Caterham. If they would appear on the 2021 grid, expect some sort of partner, whether a car manufacturer or major sponsor.

Finally, Alfa Romeo is a name that Ferrari has floated for a long time to return to motorsports. Following their recent North American push for advertising, the Alfa Romeo name is now back on the tip of many tongues, including potentially Formula One and Formula E. Ferrari has sought for a junior team in F1, similar to Toro Rosso’s relationship with Red Bull. But with their current supply to two teams, Sauber and Haas F1, a change would be needed to see that happen.

Next: Formula One Team Power Rankings After Hungary

Of course, with so many moving parts and many years ahead for Formula One rules and regulations to be determined, many of these names may slide up and down the list of future manufacturers. Stay tuned to Beyond The Flag for the latest news, rumors, and analysis from the Formula One world championship.