Since the FIA and Formula 1 formalized the new era of power units, which will kick off in 2026, two deadlines have already passed for the official registration of engine manufacturers in the category.
Audi has already joined the first deadline, which was set for last October 15 and then officially confirmed its entry with the Sauber team in a gradual acquisition that should lead the German brand to have 75% of the team. Before the second deadline of November 15, it was Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains who signed the document, while other engine manufacturers decided to wait, although the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem wanted to point out that there will not be any unwanted surprises: “The rest will sign”.
German automobile magazine ‘Auto Motor und Sport’ have reconstructed the situation relating to the other power unit manufacturers, with Renault being described as “carefully studying the cards, but according to what was announced by Laurent Rossi, Renault will sign in the next two weeks, after having resolved some issues legal”.
The position of Ferrari is different: according to AMuS, Ferrari feels the need to renegotiate both financial issues – such as the increase in the registration fee and the power unit price increase for customer teams – as well as regulation issues – such as control of the budget cap, the benefits for new engine manufacturers, the status of Red Bull Powertrains, especially if the latter then associates with another manufacturer. These doubts would have determined Maranello to take a waiting position, seeking clarification with the FIA before signing the document.
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The matter of Red Bull Powertrain is in fact rather complex, as the Milton Keynes side would be considered a new engine manufacturer at 90% and in this percentage it would be entitled to the bonuses which are given to new manufacturers. Ferrari intends to put on paper what would happen in the case of a new partnership between Red Bull and Honda, as the rookie status would lapse.
But it is not so obvious that Honda could pair up with the Anglo-Austrians, because some voices in the paddock speak about Ford’s interest, with the Japanese manufacturer who could register alone in 2026, to then join another team. And Porsche could do something similar to Honda: the German automobile manufacturer is encouraged to sign the 2026 document by the FIA, although it has not yet identified the right team with which to return to Formula 1. Again according to Auto, Motor und Sport, Hyundai’s entry would in fact be further away: if the Koreans want to enter in 2027, the registration deadline would be postponed to June 30, 2023.
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