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Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali claimed, in a recent interview, that new manufacturers are showing interest in joining the sport in the future and that discussions are ongoing.

F1 currently has six manufacturer-backed teams in Alfa Romeo, Alpine, Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes, although only three of those are true manufacturers in Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault (Alpine), which build and use their own engines. Introduction of new technical regulations in 2022 will, hopefully, level the playing field and make the sport more attractive for new manufacturers, who up until now were unable to compete due to massive investments being made to secure top-table finishes.

Furthermore, the new engine regulations are on the horizon with 2025 or 2026. “It’s not possible that the power unit in Formula 1 can cost what it is costing today and attract new suppliers,” Domenicali told Sky F1. “I think there is a margin, a big margin on that, and one of the agendas we have is that we would like to involve teams and OEMs to try and anticipate the new engine even earlier than what is expected of the regulations and make sure these kinds of things will be part of the agenda, and I’m sure we can do it.”

The Italian, former CEO of Lamborghini and team principal at Ferrari, revealed that new manufacturers are showing an interest in F1 and there are still major benefits to be had by competing in the sport. “I think one of the biggest challenges that automotive manufacturers have today is to feel younger,” he explained. “There is this kind of fight between the old school of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and the new OEMs that are coming in on the mobility side. But I think the OEMs can use the platform to get the fresh image they maybe need for the future.”

“For the moment, they prefer to stay quiet, but the good news is that there are other companies, very important companies, that are really keen to understand what is the value that they can bring home using the F1 platform. Not only in terms of technology but in terms of also the value of what Formula 1 can bring to the automotive manufacturer.” concluded the newly-appointed CEO of Formula 1.


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