Engine freeze is against the spirit of the sport

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier has spoken out against the current engine freeze in Formula One.

Since the end of the 2014 Formula One World Championship McLaren have ended their long standing relationship with German engine manufacturer Mercedes and began work on their new project with Japanese manufacturer Honda.

McLaren were of the belief that they would not be in the best position to compete against the factory Mercedes team, whilst being an engine customer so switched power-trains.

But since the new era of v6 turbo-hybrid power-plants came into play, casting aside the old aspirated v8 engines, Mercedes have dominated both Renault and Ferrari.

It’s uncertain just how competitive McLaren Honda will be in the new season, but with former Formula One champions Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso in the car, optimism is high.

But with Honda new to Formula One after a five year absence, McLaren racing director Eric Boullier believes that the engine freeze in Formula One should be lifted.

Proposals to lift the engine ban have been criticised by Mercedes who believe it will raise costs within Formula One.

‘Doing something that will stupidly increase the costs is not what we want to achieve, But it’s a competition and we can change the cars as much as we want. Boullier told Autosport Magazine.

‘Within the regulations, I think engines should be frozen once every manufacturer has been able to develop their engines.

‘If you disallow the competition, then this goes a against the spirit of the sport.’