Formula 1 is set to switch to noisier and cheaper engines from the 2021 season, following a meeting of stakeholders on Friday.
Various stakeholders and representatives from outside F1 met to discuss the future power unit that will eventually replace the current hybrid-V6 system which was introduced in 2014.
Amongst those in attendance were representatives from current suppliers Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda as well as other manufacturers not currently involved, including the Volkswagen Group through Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali and former engine supplier Cosworth.
Although no firm decision was made, the FIA confirmed an outline agreement which includes making them much cheaper and noisier – one of the main complaints against the current formula.
There remains a desire from the parties involved to "maintain F1 as the pinnacle of motor sport technology, and as a laboratory for developing technology that is relevant to road cars," therefore it's unlikely the hybrid system will be dropped in its entirety, but could be simplified.
A statement added: "Future power units [must] be powerful, while becoming simpler and less costly to develop and produce," whilst also "improving the sound [and] a desire to allow drivers to drive harder at all times."
FIA president Jean Todt added: "I was very pleased with the process, and the fact that so many different stakeholders were able to agree on a direction for the FIA Formula One World Championship in such an important technical area.
"Of course, now we must sit down and work through the fine details of exactly what the 2021 power units will be – but we have begun on the right foot, and I am looking forward to working through the process to come up with the best decision for Formula One into the future."
