Like the Rest of the Industry, Formula 1 Cars Could Become All-Wheel-Drive

Formula 1 stakeholders will discuss a potential switch to all-wheel-drive cars as part of the sport’s new rules, which will come into effect in 2021.

The FIA and F1’s commercial right holders have invited teams to a meeting in Paris on Halloween in order to hammer out a vision of what the new engine and chassis rules will entail when the current rules expire at the end of the 2020 season.

For the most part, teams are interested in a simplified version of the current turbo-hybrid V6, albeit with more standardized parts in a bid to reduce costs and make the field more competitive.

However, not everyone is in favor of ditching the complicated MGU-H. Mercedes in particular are in favor of keeping the complicated hybrid recovery system, which captures energy from excess turbo heat. Which is unsurprising, considering Mercedes has the best MGU-H on the grid at present.

According to Autosport, one of the proposed alternatives to the MGU-H is to introduce an LMP1-style kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) mounted on the front axle.

In the World Endurance Championship, Porsche’s 919 Hybrid feeds its batteries with energy captured by the front wheels under braking, the energy is subsequently deployed through the front axle, making the car all-wheel drive.

It’s believed moving towards a front axle KERS system would improve mechanical grip through corners, which theoretically would reduce the importance of aerodynamic grip and should promote closer racing.

As good as the idea sounds, there are downfalls, namely cost, which isn’t likely to appeal to smaller teams and independent engine manufacturers like Cosworth or Aston Martin. Perhaps more importantly, teams are worried the implementation of a complex KERS system could simply repeat the pitfalls of the current engine formula which has seen Mercedes dominate since its introduction in 2014.

On the other hand, Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne is vehemently opposed to a simpler engine formula, claiming it would undo Ferrari’s Formula 1 derived DNA. But maybe the Scuderia should learn how to get its spark plugs operating properly before it starts asking for more complexity as a safeguard against rising competition.