Formula 1 'at a bit of a crossroads' - Brawn

Ross Brawn believes Formula 1 is "at a little bit of a crossroads" as it works out the direction it should take with engine regulations in the future.

The current V6 turbo hybrids were introduced in 2014 after discussions between engine manufacturers, but have been criticized for being too complex and expensive. The current formula puts an emphasis on efficiency but Brawn – who is F1's motorsport managing director – says the sport should not be focusing so much on road car trends due to the speed at which they change direction.

"I think there's a great willingness to work together to take the sport forward," said Brawn (pictured, with team owner Gene Haas). "I think there's a lot of anxiety at the moment because the teams are not sure quite what to expect, but nonetheless they're very supportive.

"I think you touched on the engine and that's a key element that we've got to get right. Along with the FIA and the teams and interested engine suppliers, we're debating that at the moment to understand what sort of engine we want for the future. I think Formula 1's at a little bit of a crossroads because the automotive world is going off in a different direction – fuel cell cars, electric cars, autonomous driving – and that's not Formula 1.

"So, how do we find the relevant path for the future? We need a path that engages the fans, because if we don't have fans watching this sport then we have nothing. I think there is a very careful balance between the technical challenge that we must retain in Formula 1 – because I think that's a really important element – but not overdoing it to the point it becomes a distraction from the racing.

"I'd say the attitude is very positive from the teams and with the FIA we're working hard to find good solutions for the future."

The current power unit regulations will remain in place until 2020, with the FIA holding a meeting at the end of March with a number of stakeholders to discuss the future direction from 2021 onward. At the time, the FIA said there was "broad agreement" among those present that F1 should focus on:

• A desire to maintain F1 as the pinnacle of motorsport technology, and as a laboratory for developing technology that is relevant to road cars
• Striving for future power units to be powerful, while becoming simpler and less costly to develop and produce
• Improving the sound of the power units
• A desire to allow drivers to drive harder at all times.