Breaking news
Formula 1
Mercedes engine chief: Our rivals will catch up
Ferrari, Renault and newcomers Honda begin the chase as reigning champion bids to defend its titles.
GMM
Edited: Feb 12, 2015, 1:38 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Andy Cowell, the man credited with Mercedes' 2014 power output advantage in Formula One, believes its opposition has more scope to improve this year – and will inevitably catch up as a result.
Following a dominant 2014, when Mercedes won both the drivers' and constructors' championships aided by a power advantage estimated at 60bhp, in an interview with Germany's Auto Motor und Sport on Thursday Cowell said he expects rivals to gain ground.
"The rules of physics and chemistry are the same for us all," said Cowell. "I see no reason why the competition cannot build an engine as good as ours.
"Of course we do not stand still, but the higher you are in your development, the flatter the curve is to improve," he told the German publication.
Rivals working hard
Ferrari set the test pace at Jerez, and its new engine is believed to be a major step forward in terms of its power unit and electrical energy harvesting.
Renault has also worked hard on its structure and engine, but was hampered by an ERS issue at Jerez, while newcomer Honda is struggling with its early installation.
Cowell also said Mercedes' rivals have the advantage of being able to see exactly where the German giant is strong.
"Thanks to GPS measurements, they know the areas they need to look at, so Ferrari and Renault just have to aim higher," he said. "That is their advantage.
"Honda is a bit of an unknown, but we should not underestimate them. We will take a big step forward, but I cannot guarantee that it will be enough to be better than the competition."
1000bhp possible with these engines
Cowell also commented on Bernie Ecclestone's desire for 1,000bhp engines, even though the new turbo V6 era is only a single season old.
"I believe that with the current architecture, we can achieve that (1,000bhp), and produce more sound, if we increase the fuel flow rate," he said.
"However, we should not dilute the concept of energy efficiency. Technology transfer from motorsport to the road industry is important for Formula One. It's why Honda came back."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Horner upbeat despite Jerez testing
Next article Power unit development creates extra headache for teams
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
GMM
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Formula 1
Formula 1
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Formula 1
Formula 1
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Formula 1
Formula 1
Chinese GP
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
More from
Bernie Ecclestone
Ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone reportedly arrested for travelling with shotgun in Portugal
Formula 1
Formula 1
Italian GP
Ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone reportedly arrested for travelling with shotgun in Portugal
Bernie Ecclestone sends major F1 warning ahead of 2026: 'Danger is we lose the fans'
Formula 1
Formula 1
Bahrain Pre-Season 2
Bernie Ecclestone sends major F1 warning ahead of 2026: 'Danger is we lose the fans'
Bernie Ecclestone slams "over-confident" Lando Norris as he backs Max Verstappen for 2025 title
Formula 1
Formula 1
Abu Dhabi GP
Bernie Ecclestone slams "over-confident" Lando Norris as he backs Max Verstappen for 2025 title
Latest news
Lando Norris faces anxious wait as F2 prepares to decide future of his racing team
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Singapore GP
1 h
Lando Norris faces anxious wait as F2 prepares to decide future of his racing team
NASCAR Cup Phoenix starting lineup: Blaney earns pole as Larson struggles
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Phoenix II
2 h
NASCAR Cup Phoenix starting lineup: Blaney earns pole as Larson struggles
Ryan Blaney kind of faces a must-win scenario this weekend at Phoenix
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Phoenix II
3 h
Ryan Blaney kind of faces a must-win scenario this weekend at Phoenix
Catching Larson in the NASCAR Chase has to start at track where 'I suck'
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Phoenix II
4 h
Catching Larson in the NASCAR Chase has to start at track where 'I suck'
Feature
Discover prime content
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.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe