F1 must be zero carbon by 2025 - Jost Capito

Mercedes power units — Photo: © LAT Images

Austrian Grand Prix

F1 must be zero carbon by 2025 - Capito

Engine discussions must focus on advancing automotive environmental strategies

Will Gray

Friday 2 July 2021 14:23

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Formula One must deliver “significant change” to its engine regulations and become “zero-CO2” within four years, according to the former head of VW Motorsport and now Williams F1 CEO Jost Capito.

The sport’s leaders will discuss future plans for power units during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, with current manufacturers to be joined by interested parties Audi and Porsche, both of which are in the VW stable.

Capito said: “I believe it needs a significant change because when you look at where the automotive industry is going to, the CO2 discussion is an issue and I am absolutely convinced that Formula One has to go to zero-CO2 as well from 25.

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“There are more options than just full electric. E-fuels is something that has to be investigated and also in combination with hybrid. In my view, these systems and technology has a future on mobility.

“I think the regulations should go in that direction but should investigate all options and it is right that car manufacturers have to be part of the discussions. They have to be attracted by the new regulations otherwise they wouldn’t join.”

Audi will be represented by Markus Duesmann, who has been previously involved with Mercedes-Benz and BMW in F1, while Oliver Blume will be representing Porsche in the discussions.

The VW Group said earlier this year that it is exploring how attractive Formula One would be for it in the future, and the sport will be keen to do what it can to convince new manufacturers to join when the new regulations are introduced.

Steiner – we need more manufacturers

The departure of Honda at the end of this season leaves Formula One with Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault as the only three automotive manufacturers represented on the grid.

Given the high cost and complexity of the current engines, it is vital that the new regulations bring in a level of streamlining and cost efficiency, while also diving towards the zero-carbon targets the world is seeking.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner will not be present in the discussions but pleaded with those who are to deliver what is needed for Formula One to survive at all ends of the grid.

Steiner said: “At the moment, for anyone coming in with the technology we have right now it’s very difficult because it’s very sophisticated, very difficult to achieve. Hopefully, they find a compromise.

“We need to change. We need to go to zero, you know. I hope it comes sooner rather than later. Hopefully, they find solutions and the solution goes to be that more manufacturers can get into the sport

“There are all of the big boys here to try to decide on what is best going forward, but I hope they come up with a solution that makes us all happy and makes Formula One happy.”