Rivals push Merc for engine 'unfreeze'

So rivals, powered by struggling Ferrari and Renault, have argued that the strict limits on in-season development of the 'power units' should be relaxed. For a rule change as soon as 2015, however, all teams would have to agree.

Christian Horner, boss of works Renault team Red Bull, claimed in Russia on Friday that, in Singapore in September, Mercedes agreed to some 'unfreeze' measures.

CHANGING MINDS

Horner said: "One minute we agree something, then suddenly people can't remember what they've agreed and they change their mind, so we've got a bit going on at the moment."

Indeed, since Mercedes allegedly 'changed its mind', F1's influential 'strategy group' got together and the majority voted for the engine unfreeze to be sent to the F1 Commission for ratification.

Horner said: "We'll see what the outcome of the commission vote is. FIA is in support, FOM is in support, obviously the non-Mercedes teams are in support, so we'll see what that holds in approximately a month's time."

He admitted, however, that for the change to be voted through for 2015, every team will need to agree.

Marco Mattiacci, boss of F1's other engine supplier, Ferrari, said: "I agree with Christian (Horner).

"Now today we have the majority of the votes to move ahead on the idea to unfreeze the engine. Let's see what's going to happen during the F1 Commission."