McLaren boss Andreas Seidl outlines changes F1 needs for new manufacturers

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl has described what he would do if he was in a position of power to help Formula 1 attract brand new manufacturers.

F1 only has four current engine suppliers on the grid: Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda, but with the sport set to have big changes to the way it operates in 2021, the McLaren boss has described what he'd do if it was up to him.

"I think it's very difficult for a manufacturer to come in (to the sport) now," Seidl said to Speed Week. "So I think it makes sense to have stable regulations from 2021 because we can already see that it leads to parity among the power units."

Seidl used to manage the Porsche WEC LMP1 programme before its conclusion a few years ago, and with the company rumoured to be considering re-joining Formula 1, Seidl has said he thinks we need to push with hybridisation in the 2021 rule changes.

"The automotive industry is currently undergoing a change with electrification, that's why I think we need to push the hybridisation with the next rule change," Seidl continued.

"And in order for F1 to be attractive as a sport, we have to make sure that the entry costs are much lower than they are today. At the moment, we have to be realistic because it is difficult to imagine that a new manufacturer will invest as much money as is currently needed to compete with the current participants.

"The investment you would have to make with the infrastructure and the budget is enormous."