Ilmor co-founder engine guru Mario Illien says his company would require substantial financial backing to enter F1 as an independent engine manufacturer.
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Illien, who partnered with Mercedes to become McLaren’s engine builder in the 1990s, casts a positive eye on Formula 1’s future engine platform, but does not see his company entering the sport anytime soon.
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“In principle it is the right direction — the technology must become simpler and cheaper,” the Swiss engineer told Auto Motor und Sport.
“But for a private manufacturer, we cannot do it without outside help.
“I could not develop a business model like we have in Indycar, because I would have probably only one or two customers. And if one does not pay the bill, I’m dead.
“Without a sponsor behind me I could not build this engine for Formula 1.”
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