The first time I saw a Formula 1 hybrid turbo power unit in the flesh, I was blown away by how tiny the engine block was for something capable of producing 1000bhp. Then consider its amazing thermal efficiency, coupled with the huge development costs it has taken to get there. Again, it’s mind-blowing.

Honda’s upcoming withdrawal as an engine supplier is because it has pledged, as a car company, to become a carbon neutral company by 2050. Having only three engine manufacturers leaves F1 exposed, especially in a time of pandemic-driven uncertainty, but it remains in thrall to those manufacturer millions. Quite the conundrum.

As Jonathan Noble writes below, this breed of power unit is around to stay. But I think F1 also needs a Plan B, as Renault’s Cyril Abiteboul seems to be suggesting, that’s more economically and environmentally sustainable.

Charles Bradley, Global Editor in Chief
Motorsport.com

E D I T O R ' S C H O I C E

Why Honda's exit will not force F1 hybrid U-turn

Honda's decision to quit F1 at the end of 2021 has prompted suggestions the series simply isn't going far enough for manufacturers with its green technologies. But, as Jonathan Noble explains, F1 won't be abandoning its hybrid concept post-Honda.

A D A M C O O P E R

Renault: F1 should fast-track new engine regs after Honda exit
Renault Formula 1 boss Cyril Abiteboul believes that Honda’s impending withdrawal from the sport should trigger an earlier than planned change of power unit regulations.

F I L I P C L E E R E N

Vettel on Ferrari failure: 'Some fights I shouldn't have picked'
Sebastian Vettel admits he has failed by not winning a Formula 1 world championship for Ferrari and says there were “fights that maybe I shouldn't have picked" behind the scenes.

M O T O R S P O R T . C O M

Motorsport Network strengthens global management team with former CEO of FIA WRC
Motorsport Network, the market leading digital platform that sits at the heart of the Racing and Automotive industries, is delighted to announce that Oliver Ciesla...

J O N A T H A N N O B L E

McLaren: Wind sensitivity issue with 2020 F1 car "sucks"
McLaren boss Andreas Seidl says it "sucks" that his team’s 2020 Formula 1 car’s form is so impacted by wind sensitivity issues.

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L E W I S D U N C A N

Lorenzo: Yamaha not "wasting" me with lack of MotoGP testing
Three-time MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo insists Yamaha is not "wasting" his talents as a test rider through a lack of mileage on the M1 this year.

J I M U T T E R

Hendrick taps Alex Bowman as new driver of No. 48 in 2021
Hendrick Motorsports ended going in-house to find its replacement for seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.

J A S O N C R A I G

Ogier: I’m not giving up on seventh WRC title despite deficit
Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier says he has not given up on taking a seventh FIA World Rally Championship title this season, despite a costly retirement on last month’s Rally Turkey.

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