F1 outlines two strategic "priorities" for 2019
Formula 1 will have "two key strategic priorities" in 2019, including greater publicity of the technical achievements of it turbo-hybrid engines and making the championship more accessible.
The noise, cost and complexity of the V6 turbo-hybrids have been under fire ever since they were introduced in 2014, with then-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and world champion Sebastian Vettel among the early and most high-profile critics.
That means milestones like Mercedes achieving 50% thermal efficiency in 2017 have been largely overlooked.
Speaking at the Geneva Motor Show, F1 CEO Chase Carey outlined two priorities, split between the relevance of the technology on show and making the championship "inviting to all".
"[The] first is to build not just on our technological leadership [in motorsport], but the incredible achievements in efficiency and sustainability for our cars and hybrid engines," said Carey.
"We'll continue to invest in opportunities to further reduce carbon emissions and other initiatives to be at the forefront of road relevant technology.
"Second, we want to continue to emphasise that Formula 1 is a sport for everyone.
"That means continuing to emphasise opportunities for females on and off the track and continue to expand as a global sport in every part of the world.
"We want to be a sport that continues to exude mystique and glamour, yet at the same time is open inviting to all."
Carey believes F1 heads into its new season with "great momentum" after citing growth in crowd figures, the global TV audience and F1's social media platform.
A first-ever bespoke launch event will take place in downtown Melbourne ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, fan festivals and a 1,000th race celebration in China are all part of what Carey calls a bid to "elevate our global spectacles".
"We'll continue to upgrade our traditional and digital offerings in new and compelling ways, new camera angles and graphics, and much more," Carey said.
"We'll continue to elevate the sport beyond the race calendar."
He added this season is "just a step in our longer-term plans", as F1 perseveres with its idea of a 2021 sporting, technical and commercial overhaul.
Additional reporting by Andrew van de Burgt
Share Or Save This Story
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
Alpine makes statement as Franco Colapinto-related abuse accelerates
Kyle Busch Remembered: Rowdy's most notable moments at Kansas Speedway
Alpine lost Fuji WEC victory by 0.591s because it “didn’t want to sacrifice a car”
Charles Leclerc: “McLaren and Red Bull did a step forward that we didn’t do”
Why Mercedes is still quicker than McLaren
Baku late-race chaos almost costs George Russell victory over Max Verstappen
How George Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
How the chase to catch Mercedes is unfolding
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments