Formula 1 stakeholders have agreed to focus on the upcoming 2026 hybrid regulations and their impact while continuing to discuss future engine directions.
A meeting between the FIA, F1, the power unit manufacturers and a number of teams was held in Bahrain on Friday morning, being chaired by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, F1 president Stefano Domenicali and FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis. Ben Sulayem stressed the aim of the meeting was to discuss cost-effective solutions that would safeguard the sport’s future from both a business and sustainability standpoint.
While the idea of re-introducing a V10 engine formula running on sustainable fuels in future has been a talking point in recent weeks, sources confirmed to RACER that the meeting reiterated that the new V6 turbo power units that feature increased electrical output from 2026 have been committed to after a lot of time and effort, leading to multiple new manufacturers joining the sport.
In a statement, the FIA said Friday’s meeting involved “constructive discussions” that focused on:
- Reducing costs of research and development of F1 powertrains
- Building resilience against the fluctuations of the global economy
- Reducing the complexity of F1 power units
- Considerations on sustainability, weight reduction in relation to safety, performance, road car relevance, sound and audience appeal
The governing body made clear that its intention would be to take any future decisions on power unit technology after consultation with all stakeholders but concluded that the focus at present needs to be on the successful implementation of the 2026 rules, which will remain in place as planned.
The FIA also stated the following:
- All parties are committed to the 2026 regulations and look forward to the prospect of exciting racing
- All parties agreed to continue discussions on the future technical direction of the sport
- A level of electrification will always be part of any future considerations
- The use of sustainable fuel will be an imperative
- Consideration will be given to adjustments on financial regulations relating to power units as part of broader cost reductions
- Policing of those regulations will be a priority
“Whichever engine roadmap is decided upon, the FIA is supportive of the teams and PU manufacturers in ensuring containment of costs of R&D expenditure, taking account of environmental considerations and acting in the best interests of the sport and the fans,” an FIA statement added.
