Formula One news

Whitmarsh regrets 'waste' on KERS

Martin Whitmarsh is one of many team bosses who feels that the untimely introduction of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) to Formula One this season has proven to be nothing more than a waste of money. With many in agreement, teams have already agreed not to use the innovative system next year.

Mercedes' KERS device is arguably the best in F1

With FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) having finally reached a compromise with the FIA on Wednesday and no budget cap now due to be introduced next season, Whitmarsh has been able to reflect upon the ultimate failure of KERS. "The concept of KERS was probably the right thing to do for F1, but two years ago at Silverstone it seemed it was getting out of control in terms of the technical openness of it and every team bar Williams agreed to abandon it," said the McLaren team principal, who took over the role from Ron Dennis for 2009.

"At the end of last year it was every team bar BMW and we've always taken a flexible view on it. On those two occasions, we were prepared to get rid of it." Ironically, BMW has since fully abandoned its KERS project in favour for aerodynamic enhancements on its F1.09. "The regulations are incredibly wide and they are challenging in that, to develop a KERS system within the weight and packaging constraints of F1 with the power and energy limitations and still have performance, is difficult," Whitmarsh continued.

Behind on the aero front, McLaren invested more than most in its KERS

"If you look back on it now with hindsight, this industry has undoubtedly wasted a lot of money in that area, particularly if we are not going to be running with KERS next year. McLaren and Mercedes' position is that we believe we have come this far and should continue with KERS but, with the spirit of cooperation that exists within F1 now with FOTA, we accept not using vetoes to block these things."

He added that the desire of many teams to block usage of the system is 'disappointing' when considering the time and energy placed into developing the device at McLaren. "Like all of these things you get the perfect storm of issues," Whitmarsh went on. "Putting it as kindly as possible, we were not as adventurous in our diffuser interpretation, and that gave us limitations in how you respond to it. We were behind on the development of the overall aero concept and we have put a lot of effort into KERS because F1 was committing to it. Looking back, we could have made some different decisions but that is how hindsight works."

more news

• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: "2010 contract is signed"
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up

Homepage