Modern road car technology direction is 'not F1' - Ross Brawn
Ross Brawn believes Formula 1 should reconsider how closely it tries to link its technology to the trends in the road car industry in the future
F1 switched V6 hybrid turbo engines in 2014, with manufacturers keen on transfer and synergies between the new power units and their road cars.
But earlier this year, the FIA and manufacturers both in F1 and not currently involved agreed that the current formula should be replaced by cheaper, simpler and noisier engines from 2021.
Discussions regarding the new formula are continuing with F1 sporting boss Brawn wary of taking cues from the automotive industry given it is heading towards autonomous cars and a push to electric and fuel cell technology.
"The engine is the key element we have got to get right," Brawn told reporters in Canada.
"Along with the FIA, the teams and interested engine suppliers, we're debating that at the moment, to understand what sort of engine we want for the future.
"F1 is a little bit at a crossroads.
"The automotive world is going off on a different direction now, with fuel cell cars, electric cars, autonomous driving and that's not F1.
"How do we find the relevant path for the future?"
In a survey conducted by Motorsport Network, fans said they have a desire for F1 to set the pace in terms of technology.
Since the last survey in 2015, there has been a 19.1% increase in the number of fans highlighting the importance of technology in F1.
Brawn has previously suggested F1 could adopt the concept of NASCAR-style open car inspections, which would showcase the technology involved in F1 to fans either at a track or watching at home.
Speaking in Canada, he agreed technology remained an important element of F1 but insisted a balance with good racing needed to be achieved.
"We need a path that engages the fans - if we don't have fans watching the sport, we have nothing," he said.
"There is a careful balance between the technical challenge that we must retain in F1 because that is a really important element but not overdoing it to the point where it becomes a distraction from the racing.
"I'd say the attitude is very positive from the teams. With the FIA, we're working to find good solutions for the future."
Previous article
F1 and FIA begin project to improve racing amid overtaking worries
Next article
F1 brings back traditional mechanics' raft race at the Canadian GP
The other notable Monza escape that F1 should learn from
OPINION: The headlines were dominated by the Italian Grand Prix crash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who had the halo to thank for avoiding potentially serious injury. But two days earlier, Formula 1 had a lucky escape with a Monza pitlane incident that could also have had grave consequences
How Monza only added more questions to F1's sprint race conundrum
With two sprint races under its belt, Formula 1 must now consider its options for them going forward. While they've helped deliver exciting racing on Sundays, the sprints themselves have been somewhat lacking - creating yet another conundrum for F1 to solve...
Who should Alfa Romeo sign for 2022's F1 season?
OPINION: With Valtteri Bottas already signed up for 2022, all eyes are on the race for the second seat at Alfa Romeo next year. Antonio Giovinazzi is the current incumbent, but faces a tough competition from appealing short and long-term prospects
The "forced break" that was key to Ricciardo's Monza excellence
OPINION: Daniel Ricciardo has long been considered one of Formula 1’s elite drivers. But his struggles at McLaren since switching from Renault for 2021 have been painful to watch at times. Yet he’s recovered to banish those memories with a famous Monza win – built on a critically important foundation
How Verstappen is ruining his F1 title battle with Hamilton
OPINION: The Italian GP clash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen followed a running theme in the 2021 Formula 1 title fight. Their close-quarters battles have often resulted in contact - and although Hamilton has shown a willingness to back off, Verstappen must learn to temper his aggression
Italian Grand Prix Driver Ratings
Two drivers produced maximum-score performances as, for the second year in a row, Monza threw up an unpredictable result that left several others ruing what might have been
Why Ricciardo was set for Monza F1 triumph even without Verstappen/Hamilton crash
The clash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton was the major flashpoint the 2021 Italian Grand Prix will be remembered for. Yet by this point, race leader Daniel Ricciardo had already done the hard work that would put him in position to end his and McLaren's lengthy win droughts, on a memorable afternoon in Monza
Why Italian GP success is on for McLaren even if Verstappen dominates
For the second time in 2021, McLaren will line up for the start of a grand prix from the first row. It knows it has the chance of “glory” if things go well for Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris at the start of the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, but even if they just maintain their grid positions, signs from the rest of the Monza weekend suggest success is very possible for Formula 1’s other orange army
