F1 should "do everything" to bring forward new engines - Wolff
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says Formula 1 should "do everything" to bring forward the introduction of its next generation power unit to 2025.
F1's manufacturers are currently in talks over bringing forward the planned introduction of the new power unit by one year, having originally targeted the 2026 season.
It comes as part of talks regarding a proposed engine development freeze from 2022 that would enable Red Bull to continue using Honda's power units after its F1 exit at the end of next year.
F1 has used its current V6 turbo hybrid power units since the 2014 season, but there are calls for a simpler, cheaper specification to be used in the future.
Mercedes chief Wolff said F1 should be looking to hasten the introduction of the new power units, believing it is not too late to get the regulations set in time for 2025.
"We haven't got the regulations yet for the power unit in 2026, but I think we all realise what is happening in the world," Wolff said.
"We ought to do everything to bring forward to 2025, and all power unit manufacturers have agreed to this objective.
"I think [2025] would be still feasible. The question is really do you want to have regulations so early and we have the parallel development with the current power unit and a new one?
"That's why the freeze needs to come."
Although the push to bring forward the new power units provided a breakthrough in talks for engine freeze by changing Ferrari's position, the manufacturers remain in disagreement over a suggested convergence system.
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto echoed Wolff's thoughts on the importance of bringing forward the new power units, but said a freeze - complete with a performance convergence mechanism - had to be part of the deal.
"I think it's important for F1 to move forward the 2026 to 2025 for engine and power unit regulations," Binotto said.
"We need to somehow to follow the trends of the automotive, and make sure that as F1, we are a platform of innovation.
"By doing that, we may eventually anticipate the freezing to 2022. It was 2023, and obviously you move everything forward by one year.
"As we discussed, should we consider a performance convergence, which is not a balance or performance, it is releasing that performance convergence and making sure that if there is any manufacturer, which is really down in power or performance, try to help him.
"I think again, we should consider it. I think it's better to just consider it now, try to think in advance instead of simply waiting the situation and then having crazy discussion at the time.
"Freezing would be very responsible, simply to consider such a scenario and make sure we are prepared for it."
Related video
FIA won’t relax impeding rules for Bahrain’s short lap
Vandoorne admits "it hurts" Mercedes didn't pick him
Diriyah E-Prix: Hughes sees off Evans for maiden Formula E pole
Jake Hughes claimed his first Formula E pole for the second race of the Diriyah E-Prix, finding a tenth in the final corner to eclipse Mitch Evans.
Full 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona entry list
The 61st running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona will feature a capacity 61-car grid, giving the legendary Florida classic its highest car count since 2014. Read on to see all the teams entered for the event and confirmed drivers so far.
Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona: Schedule, how to watch on TV, and more
All you need to know ahead of the 2023 season-opening action for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.
Vettel reveals “huge” admiration for rally drivers
Four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel says he has a “huge” admiration for rally drivers and believes they don’t get the limelight they deserve.
Why Vasseur relishes 'feeling the pressure' as Ferrari's F1 boss
OPINION: Fred Vasseur has spent only a few weeks as team principal for the Ferrari Formula 1 team, but is already intent on taking the Scuderia back to the very top. And despite it being arguably the most demanding job in motorsport, the Frenchman is relishing the challenge
The crucial tech changes F1 teams must adapt to in 2023
Changes to the regulations for season two of Formula 1's ground-effects era aim to smooth out last year’s troubles and shut down loopholes. But what areas have been targeted, and what impact will this have?
Are these the 50 quickest drivers in F1 history?
Who are the quickest drivers in Formula 1 history? Luke Smith asked a jury of experienced and international panel of experts and F1 insiders. Some of them have worked closely with F1’s fastest-ever drivers – so who better to vote on our all-time top 50? We’re talking all-out speed here rather than size of trophy cabinet, so the results may surprise you…
One easy way the FIA could instantly improve F1
OPINION: During what is traditionally a very quiet time of year in the Formula 1 news cycle, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been generating headlines. He’s been commenting on massive topics in a championship that loves them, but also addressing necessary smaller changes too. Here we suggest a further refinement that would be a big boon to fans
How can McLaren keep hold of Norris?
Lando Norris is no longer the young cheeky-chappy at McLaren; he’s now the established ace. And F1's big guns will come calling if the team can’t give him a competitive car. Here's what the team needs to do to retain its prize asset
What difference did F1's fastest pitstops of 2022 make?
While a quick pitstop can make all the difference to the outcome of a Formula 1 race, most team managers say consistency is more important than pure speed. MATT KEW analyses the fastest pitstops from last season to see which ones – if any – made a genuine impact
When F1 'holiday' races kept drivers busy through the winter
Modern Formula 1 fans have grown accustomed to a lull in racing during winter in the northern hemisphere. But, as MAURICE HAMILTON explains, there was a time when teams headed south of the equator rather than bunkering down in the factory. And why not? There was fun to be had, money to be made and reputations to forge…
What Porsche social media frenzy says about F1’s manufacturer allure
Porsche whipped up a frenzy thanks to a cryptic social media post last week, and though it turned out to be a false alarm, it also highlighted more just why manufacturers remain such an important element in terms of the attraction that they bring to F1. It is little wonder that several other manufacturers are bidding for a slice of the action.
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.