Firstly, apologies if this has been posted before, I couldn't find a thread on it, so I decided to start a new one. It does seem to be something that I can imagine has been bought up many times before!
I have had an idea for the rules surrounding engines in F1. The Power Unit cap was introduced mainly for cost reasons if I understand it correctly, so how about putting in an actual cost cap for the season rather than a limit on the number of components (eg 15,000,000 euros per year). This would allow PU suppliers to look at many options, such as developing cheap unreliable engines or expensive reliable engines. It would also allow some components to be replaced more than others which might help in development races.
I am also of the opinion that engine layout should be relaxed. I think that the rules should simply set:
1) A power limit which should be obeyed throughout all sessions
2) A weight limit (but no minimum)
3) A fuel limit (depending on the engine setup)
Obviously, all PU suppliers would want to provide a PU that operates at the maximum power, quite possibly with a bit extra in the bag for a change in rules if Bernie decides that it isn't exciting enough. This would also allow PU suppliers to choose how they want to deliver their amount of power, for example, a full-on hybrid system (as per the current setup), or one of the 'previous-generation' ICE+KERS, or even just an ICE by itself. I mentioned fuel limits based on engine setup, which hopefully is self explanatory, a car with a hybrid system will use less fuel than a traditional ICE by itself and so should have a lesser fuel limit.
Engine penalties would also be given the boot, with a new rule stating that prices double after the cost limit is reached. Original value to the supplier for the engine, and then the same again going to the FIA as a penalty (but being financial, the teams may take it a bit more seriously!)
In order to equalise the power units, I would also suggest that ballast is added to cars to equalise the power:weight ratio of each car, which would be calculated at the start of the weekend (and adjusted for any test drivers) with maximum race fuel and driver.
I have decided to post this rather than consign it to the bin of 'ideas what i done had in the shower' because I feel that it would generate some interesting discussion. I admit I didn't necessarily think through all of the technical points, so, what are your thoughts on this?
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