Breaking news
Formula 1
Renault evaluating switch to Mercedes F1 engine concept
Renault is evaluating a switch to the Mercedes concept of a split turbo and compressor on its Formula 1 power unit as part of an engine overhaul for 2022.
Jonathan Noble
Edited: Mar 3, 2021, 5:19 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Last year, the French car manufacturer elected to delay the introduction of a new engine to 2022 as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.
It means it is using just an upgraded engine for this season, but that has given it extra time to evaluate wider scale changes for next season.
One of the ideas being looked at is adopting the design that Mercedes pioneered in F1, of splitting the turbo and compressor elements of the power unit.
Ever since the turbo hybrid era started, Mercedes elected to split the two elements so they were either side of the internal combustion engine. They are joined by a connecting shaft that runs between the inside of the V-bank.
The benefits of the design are much better packaging opportunities, which has advantages for both weight distribution and aerodynamics.
Read Also:
- How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
- Alpine presents new A521 Formula 1 car
- Alpine explains decision to ditch F1 team principal role
Japanese manufacturer Honda adopted the Mercedes design idea for 2017 as part of a revamp of its efforts, while Ferrari is also understood to be considering going down that route for 2022.
Now Renault has revealed that it too is looking at the idea – and recent images of Fernando Alonso visiting Renault's Viry engine facilities hinted at it having already tried out the split turbo idea on its dyno facilities.
The images from Viry appeared to show the airbox pipework (highlighted in photograph) feeding down in to the compressor, which was situated at the front of the power unit rather than the rear as it is on the current Renault engine.
Fernando Alonso, Alpine F1 Team at the Viry-Châtillon factory
Photo by: Renault
Renault F1's engine chief Remi Taffin confirmed on Wednesday that such a change of concept was on the cards.
"The simple answer is yes," he said.
When asked by Motorsport.com to clarify if it was likely to happen, Taffin said: "We could be going down that route….I'm pretty sure you've seen some photos, so I'm not going to lie. We are evaluating."
Renault says this year's engine, which will run in the back of the Alpine car, features modifications that were originally planned mid-season in 2020 prior to things being frozen because of the pandemic.
Taffin added: "We implemented the modifications we did [originally] forecast for mid season last year into this year. So it's more of an evolution that we would have in-season rather than over the winter."
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 Rebranded Aston Martin F1 team launches 2021 car
Next article We’ll “get the best” out of Vettel at Aston, says Szafnauer
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jonathan Noble
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
More from
Alpine
‘I’m sideways all the time’ – How Alpine’s feral F1 car plagued Pierre Gasly in Singapore
Formula 1
Formula 1
Singapore GP
‘I’m sideways all the time’ – How Alpine’s feral F1 car plagued Pierre Gasly in Singapore
Could Alpine-Geely deal to save WEC hypercar programme fall through?
WEC
WEC
Barcelona
Could Alpine-Geely deal to save WEC hypercar programme fall through?
Latest news
Max Verstappen on GTWC Europe debut: “We’re here to win”
GT World Challenge Europe Endurance
WCEE GT World Challenge Europe Endurance 38 min
Max Verstappen on GTWC Europe debut: “We’re here to win”
How to watch NASCAR at Phoenix II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Phoenix II
47 min
How to watch NASCAR at Phoenix II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
Ryan Ellis signs multi-year NASCAR O'Reilly deal with Alpha Prime Racing
NASCAR O'Reilly
NOAP NASCAR O'Reilly
Phoenix II
1 h
Ryan Ellis signs multi-year NASCAR O'Reilly deal with Alpha Prime Racing
Ayao Komatsu: Rafael Camara chosen for F1 2027 seat on speed, not Ferrari links
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Singapore GP
7 h
Ayao Komatsu: Rafael Camara chosen for F1 2027 seat on speed, not Ferrari links
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