Despite the issues it has caused since the new engine formula was introduced in 2014, manufacturers admit they would prefer to retain the MGU-H post-2021.

Even Honda.

"We will miss the MGU-H," said Toyoharu Tanabe, Honda F1's technical director. "We haven't decided everything yet for 2021, but the direction from the FIA we respect, we respect the other manufacturers' direction, but we think we will miss the MGU-H, such a high pinnacle of technology for the future and relevant to the production car as well. We would like to keep that technology."

"I share the view of Honda," said Mercedes Andy Cowell. "I think the MGU-H has been blamed for the lack of noise, for high complexity.

"It's been referred to as a miracle," h continued. "There are four technology companies that have made it work and get 60 per cent of their electrical energy to then power the K. It contributes 5% of the thermal efficiency of the power unit and to make up the power difference we're going to have to increase the fuel flow rate, which I think is a backwards step. It's not progress, so, my view is the H should stay because the development has been done.

"Removing it removes a lot of energy, which is a lot of car performance. It feels like a backwards step when the development work's been done. We will all now start developing anti-lag systems. The MGU-H is the most marvellous anti-lag system on a turbocharged engine because it gives you speed control. That's been removed so we'll now have to come up with various devices and systems and that will probably involve burning some fuel in the exhaust which doesn't feel like the most honourable thing to do, as an engineer. But, as I've said previously, it's a balance between technology and entertainment. We've got to get that balance right."

"The MGU-H is a fantastic, efficient component," agreed Mattia Binotto. "But looking ahead, we know that we know we need to find a compromise. The compromise based on what are the main objectives of 2021: spectacle; noise; simplification; cost. When you are dealing with compromises, there may always be different opinions and I think somehow we may accept the MGU-H to be removed but certainly removing the MGU-H doesn't mean that we fully need to standardise the power units and the engines.

"There are still areas in which we believe an engine is a key element, a key technology and important that we still maintain the challenge in these technologies and we try to maintain the engine, or the power unit, as a competitive differentiator between manufacturers - because that's about the DNA of the sport, and F1."

"It is not something we will put on the shelf and just forget," said Renault's Remi Taffin. "As far as Renault is concerned, we have some other projects, we are working on Formula E where battery is also of an interest, so we also work on that front.

"MGU-H is not directly transferred to Formula E but it's a very high-speed motor and it's quite a unique technology and again, we're not going to put that on the shelf, so it's all going to be of interest."

Asked if removing the MGU-H will level the playing field, Taffin was adamant: "No," he replied. "As we say, we've done the job, we've got the MGU-H, which is working where we wish to be. Obviously, it's a big part of the performance of our power unit, it's part of its efficiency, we've worked that out and as we say we still have to make sure that every single drop of fuel is burned as efficiently as possible, then it's the work on the ICE, it's work on the turbo and obviously if we have to get rid of the ICE and turbo and that's what we will make the efficiency out of. So, it's not going to let's say bring any levelling of any performance or reliability... we're there."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Mad Matt, 19/05/2018 9:53

"Renault seem to think it's road relevant, here's a quote from one of their engineers:
“The MGU-H is more of an F1 thing. We have started to see a similar device in production cars. It’s called an e-turbo, and it is designed to spin the turbocharger at lower revs.”
Audi seem to be using it too on their road cars."

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2. Posted by NS Biker, 16/05/2018 22:59

"I am usually one of the first to promote new technical developments, but in the case of the MGU H, while an incredible piece of work, is it really "Road Relevant".?
How does it work in the steady state, part throttle world of normal driving. I doubt it would do much for me.
Of course the other aspect is, do I really want another high-speed, mechanical and electrical gadget with computer controls, that when it fails, is worth 10% (25% after 5 years) of the value of the whole vehicle.? Not likely."

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3. Posted by -ape-, 16/05/2018 20:46

"I do understand these engine boys because it is their baby, but it is like some of those university inventions good in the lab but never come in daily use."

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4. Posted by Insane Reindeer, 16/05/2018 16:49

"This fan is very sad to see them go too!

If all I ever wanted from my motor sport was noise then I would be a funny car drag racing fan. Also the "racing" is was boring that after 10 seconds of racing I was heading for the exit and wondering what all the fuss was about.

I have never been able to understand why the noise an F1 car makes is so important to people. I do care that they have at least been coupled with some serious aerodynamic aids and as such lap times are tumbling and F1 cars are starting to be actually fast again. Even if a "demo mode" Porsche has lapped Spa-Francorchamps faster. And the technology behind these engines (including the LMP1 engines) is genuinely fascinating! I have learnt a lot about them and they way they make it all work inside of an F1 car, race after race, is a technological marvel! Would I like them to be given more fuel per race? Yes. Would I mind if the number of engines allowed was increased by two? No.

But no. The "fans" who yearn for a "simple" F1 car have seemingly won this war and as such the sport is set to take several very significant steps backwards. "

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5. Posted by Yeyox02, 16/05/2018 16:16

"FIA and F1 are champions of backwards steps....and they want a budget cap."

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Manufacturers sorry to see MGU-H go

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