Solution to Max Mosley and Common F1 Engine
With all the negative reaction to Max Mosley’s comment about introducing a common engine across the board for F1, no one has been able to counter propose a solution that will help reduce budgets and keep the field at a healthy size.
GrandPrixDB has a solution. The FIA should offer bespoke engines to any team that wants it while continuing to allow manufacturers to build and supply their own units. The FIA engine would be offered at a considerably lower price than a customer arrangement from a manufacturer (like Ferrari). And with the engine freeze concept, the FIA unit would be relevant for many years with minimal development required.
If a company decides to brand this engine, then it seems like there are a lot of winners in this scenario. Even multiple companies can become involved. Remember when Petronas badged the Ferrari customer engine for Sauber?
Of course the argument is that the bespoke engine will never match the performance of a Ferrari or Mercedes powerplant. Yes, this is true. But in reality, there are several manufacturers currently in F1 pouring millions upon millions of dollars into development to already be in this position. Renault and Honda come to mind. And if there is a team that chooses to use the bespoke engine, then we already know that they will not have the resources to be front runners anyway.
The point is, such an engine will reduce the barriers to enter and remain in F1, allow lower-budgeted teams the opportunity to develop, and let the best teams continue to realize the rewards of their hard work and innovation. These top-to-bottom benefits will help ensure the long term prosperity of F1.