No return to V8 engines as Formula One opts instead to increase the power output of the V6

(Mercedes AMG PETRONAS F1 Team)

Formula One is set for major changes over the next two years after the sports strategy group agreed to introduce more powerful 1000bhp power units.

The idea behind the more powerful units will not necessitate changing the current engine formula as it had been suggested that the sport would revert back to the V8 engines but this idea has been rejected.

The 1000bhp target can be achieved by lifting the current fuel flow restrictions that are currently in place in Formula One and this would allow manufacturers to maximise the performance of their power units.

It has even been suggested that the more powerful power trains could be introduced as early as next season however manufacturers expressed concerns that it would be financially impossible to be introduced for next season.

The strategy group has also decided to dramatically change the look of Formula One cars ahead of the 2016 season.

The sport has until March 1 to introduce regulation amendments for 2016. It is believed that the idea of wider tyre's will be introduced next season with the new power train regulations coming into the sport after 2017.

As it is for this season, the new power units are louder than last years and so far in winter testing the vast majority of the new cars have proven to be extremely reliable compared to this time last year which proves that teams and manufacturers are on top of the new regulations. 

Honda who return to Formula One this season for the first time since 2008 seem to getting on top of their new power unit as they have teamed up with McLaren. As Jenson Button stated it’s not McLaren and Honda it’s McLaren-Honda.

© Ben Johnston 2015