Horner: Wants new F1 engines next year

Horner says "They’ve become far removed from road car technology; they’re effectively turning into diesel engines in some case"

Christian Horner would like nothing more than to see F1 introduce a new engine as soon next year, although the Red Bull Racing boss admits that's an unlikely prospect.

Formula 1 and the FIA will divulge to manufacturers at a meeting scheduled in Paris on Monday the specifics of the sport's 2021 engine platform.

Few details about the future power unit have filtered through in recent months, but it is expected to retain hybrid technology although in a less sophisticated and costly form.

A staunch critic of F1's new-spec hybrid units introduced in 2014, Christian Horner says the change can't happen soon enough.

"I’d love to see it come in next year," he said.

"For me, these engines have done nothing but damage F1. They’ve done nothing to contribute to the sport.

"They’ve taken away the sound; the passion and they’ve added too much complexity. They’ve become far removed from road car technology; they’re effectively turning into diesel engines in some cases.

"I can’t see anything that they’ve contributed that’s been positive. So the sooner it goes, the better."

Horner isn't holding his breath however when it comes to an early introduction.

"Unfortunately there’s a contract between the existing manufacturers and the FIA that guarantees the engine will be in place until 2020.

"And I can’t see there being sufficient motive among all the manufacturers to get rid of this technology and this power unit before 2021."

Horner's personal vision of the ideal F1 power unit also remains detached from what will likely prevail.

"I’d like to see a cheap, standard V12 engine at a 1000hp sounding fantastic – but I doubt we’re going to get that," he says.

"I think that what’s potentially going to be presented sounds sensible. I don’t have any hard details. It seems like it’s the first significant move by Liberty about laying their stall out for the future.

"And of course that power unit is a crucial part of what F1 will be for the next 10 years, from 2021 onwards."