Two of Formula 1's biggest manufacturers have questioned the proposed new engine formula which is set to be adopted in 2021, with neither believing it is the right way forward for the sport if it wants to meet certain targets.
The FIA outlined its plans for the new power unit earlier this week, with the aim of making it simpler and therefore cheaper – which it hopes will attract new engine manufacturers – whilst increasing the noise that is missing with the current hybrid engines.
Mercedes and Renault believe the issue of cost hasn't been addressed properly and therefore new manufacturers would be unlikely to get involved.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff went as far as saying no current manufacturer (Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes or Renault) supported the proposal during Tuesday's meeting.
"This is their vision and proposal and we haven't accepted it," Wolff told the BBC. "The flaw of the concept is that it's a completely new engine and new investment. It portrays it in a way of this is how we're going forward and none of the current OEMs were particularly impressed.
"The new concept needs to tackle the deficit that has been outlined – development costs and noise level – and all that needs to be linked with a global view of F1. We haven't seen any of that."
Renault's Cyril Abiteboul echoed Wolff's claims that, although it's based on the same power unit currently in use – a 1.6L V6 – the removal of the MGU-H – one of the most technically advanaced and expensive parts of the power unit – means the entire engine will need to be redesigned and that won't save costs but result in another spending war.
"My problem with the removal of the MGU-H is that as soon as you do that it is a new engine," he explained. "It fundamentally changes the way the energy is managed within the engine, the way the turbo is working and so on and so forth. It is a new combustion concept, a new way to manage turbo lag and efficiency, so it is new design of turbo.
"I don't see how what has been presented would be offering a model for an independent engine manufacturer," he added. "Maybe it would lower the cost of access for a car maker, but you would still need a substantial amount of marketing dollars to spend into research and development to make any business plan work for the new engine.
"And that is actually our problem, that we need to spend again, just like a new entrant would have to spend. But I don't think an Ilmor or a Cosworth will be able to go for it independently without the subsidises of another car company."
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