Former Pirelli Motorsport CEO Paul Hembri is confident that Formula 1 today lacks 1,500 horsepower engines that would make racers true heroes.
Paul Hembri has been the head of Pirelli's motorsport business since 2011, but in 2017 he took over as CEO of Pirelli Corporation Latin America.
However, he recently retired after 25 years with the company and is now actively looking for new opportunities to return to car racing. Moreover, he has his own view on the further development of royal races.
Hembri told Motorsport.com, “What really needs to happen is that racers are going to be kings of motorsport. They must become superstars, as now the main part of the fans is focused on bright personalities.
We all very often talk about exciting races, when it was raining or ten laps before the finish line a safety car appeared.
We need unpredictability or concentration of cars, as in the case of a safety car leaving, when the riders are not able to drive at full power."
When asked what Formula 1 should be, if it is created from scratch, Hembri replied: “To put it simply, a simple increase in power should complicate the task for the riders. Why not increase the power to 1500 horsepower?
This will most likely not be in line with the wishes and plans of automakers, which have their own interests in royal car racing.
Their goal is to sell some technology, but note, horse racing is still very popular despite the availability of cars.
Formula 1 may lose touch with reality. So, my clean slate: more money for the riders, super Formula 2 with huge power, less technology, leave a maximum of ten profitable and viable teams."
Hembri believes that the owners of Formula 1 should be more energetic in promoting the changes they want, rather than trying to negotiate with all participants:
“Everyone will never like you. Whatever you say and do, there will always be someone who doesn't like it. You should have a clear position.
This is what the owners have to do now - to present their vision and go towards the goal. You can do nothing, but then there is a risk of a gradual decrease in attractiveness."
Hembri, who has been working on several long-term projects that have nothing to do with auto racing and cars, is now trying to get back into racing.
Hembri added: “For over 20 years I have been involved in this in various forms at various levels. I'm sure I have something to offer. If there was an opportunity, and someone felt that I could put my hand and made an offer, then I would consider it."
