F1 outlines two strategic "priorities" for 2019
Formula 1 will have "two key strategic priorities" in 2019, including greater publicity of the technical achievements of it turbo-hybrid engines and making the championship more accessible.
The noise, cost and complexity of the V6 turbo-hybrids have been under fire ever since they were introduced in 2014, with then-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and world champion Sebastian Vettel among the early and most high-profile critics.
That means milestones like Mercedes achieving 50% thermal efficiency in 2017 have been largely overlooked.
Speaking at the Geneva Motor Show, F1 CEO Chase Carey outlined two priorities, split between the relevance of the technology on show and making the championship "inviting to all".
"[The] first is to build not just on our technological leadership [in motorsport], but the incredible achievements in efficiency and sustainability for our cars and hybrid engines," said Carey.
"We'll continue to invest in opportunities to further reduce carbon emissions and other initiatives to be at the forefront of road relevant technology.
"Second, we want to continue to emphasise that Formula 1 is a sport for everyone.
"That means continuing to emphasise opportunities for females on and off the track and continue to expand as a global sport in every part of the world.
"We want to be a sport that continues to exude mystique and glamour, yet at the same time is open inviting to all."
Carey believes F1 heads into its new season with "great momentum" after citing growth in crowd figures, the global TV audience and F1's social media platform.
A first-ever bespoke launch event will take place in downtown Melbourne ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, fan festivals and a 1,000th race celebration in China are all part of what Carey calls a bid to "elevate our global spectacles".
"We'll continue to upgrade our traditional and digital offerings in new and compelling ways, new camera angles and graphics, and much more," Carey said.
"We'll continue to elevate the sport beyond the race calendar."
He added this season is "just a step in our longer-term plans", as F1 perseveres with its idea of a 2021 sporting, technical and commercial overhaul.
Additional reporting by Andrew van de Burgt
Share Or Save This Story
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
Behind the scenes of how 11-year-old Brexton Busch prepared for NASCAR Cup burnouts
Kimi Antonelli hit with a major pre-race scare in Singapore
F1 Singapore GP live commentary and updates: Max Verstappen leads after second VSC, Ferrari strategy creates confusion
DTM Hockenheim: Porsche takes pole as Engel challenges Preining
What we learned from the 2026 F1 Singapore GP sprint and qualifying
How Honda plans a return to being an F1 powerhouse
Why Red Bull's 'crazy' power unit success matters so much for F1
No denying it now – the one reason why F1’s ‘horrible’ start in Malaysia could be a good thing
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments