Toto Wolff Says Engine Manufacturers Are ‘No Charity’

Toto Wolff

Mercedes Exec Dir Toto Wolff said that engine manufacturers cannot be "charitable" with how much money they charge customers for a power unit, according to Nate Saunders of ESPN.

The FIA has "joined forces" with F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone to push for a budget engine for '17 after Ferrari "vetoed the governing body's attempt to introduce a cost cap to reduce engine bills for non-manufacturer teams."

An engine and gearbox deal currently costs around $21.8M a year, with the "FIA originally hoping to reduce" that to $13.1M.

Ferrari argued that it "should not have the cost of its product dictated by the FIA."

Wolff agreed with this opinion and pointed to the fact Mercedes "currently loses money in its supply deals with Williams, Force India and Lotus."

Wolff said, "We already lose money on the engine side, substantial. The question is how much more do we lose if we continue to subsidize those engines to some of our partners."

The proposed budget engine "would be in the region" of $6.5M-$7.6M but Wolff insists Mercedes is "willing to talk to the FIA about a compromise around its original suggestion of cutting engine costs."

Wolff: "I think you cannot expect any stakeholder in the sport to have a charitable approach, but you have to just — although optimizing your own situation — find a compromise for the sake of the sport" ESPN

AUTOSPORT's Ian Parkes reported Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner believes the "power unit plight" of Red Bull and Toro Rosso "highlights the need for an independent engine manufacturer in Formula 1."

Red Bull and Toro Rosso are currently both without an engine supply for '16 "after opting to split with Renault a year ahead of schedule."

The FIA's planned introduction of an independent engine for '17 "comes too late to save Red Bull for next year," but is welcomed by Horner regardless. Horner said, "It's crucial because we're demonstrating quite clearly there is no regulation that dictates that engine suppliers have to supply, let alone at a competitive price. So an independent engine, for the future of Formula 1, for us it's a no-brainer."

Horner feels that if the "other teams had any sense" they will also vote in favor "given the savings they are likely to make" per year of around $15.2M.

Horner: "I'm sure if there's enough willingness, and there are enough teams struggling financially — if you can take 20 million out of your engine/chassis budget it's a no-brainer." AUTOSPORT

SKY SPORTS' William Esler wrote Red Bull Owner Dietrich Mateschitz said that there is "no chance the team will continue with Renault power unit" as its Speedweek publication launched a "scathing attack on all of F1's engine providers."

Red Bull had set a "self-imposed deadline" of the end of October to "secure a deal for next year, but that passed in Mexico with no announcement of a new supply made." Mateschitz: "We have had to extend our deadline for two or three weeks. But there is not a competitive engine for us anyway." SKY SPORTS