ll six engine manufacturers present: GM included
The much-anticipated meeting aimed at defining the future of F1 engine regulations for the 2026 season and beyond took place today in Bahrain. The importance of the meeting was underscored by the high-profile attendees: essentially the entire top leadership from the FIA, F1, and manufacturers were present. Alongside FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, representatives from all six future F1 engine suppliers were in attendance. Not only Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, Honda, and Audi, but also General Motors, which will enter F1 with the Cadillac team in 2026. GM has committed to building its own power units starting in 2028, while relying on Ferrari engines for the first two seasons.
Two main topics were addressed, according to the FIA’s official statement released after the meeting: the 2026 regulations and what could come after that regulatory cycle.
The 2026 situation
Regarding the upcoming season, it was – as expected – decided not to alter the core framework of the rules.
“The FIA has made a strong commitment to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations,” the document reads. “The FIA technical department, along with numerous stakeholders, has invested significant time in defining the 2026 hybrid Power Unit regulations using 100% sustainable fuel. The 2026 regulations, covering both Power Units and chassis, have attracted new Power Unit manufacturers to the sport (Audi and GM, ed.), confirming that the correct technical path has been chosen for 2026. Minor refinements and adjustments are still under constructive discussion with all stakeholders.”
This last sentence contains the only opening to potential changes. It will be interesting to see whether the ongoing discussions include the balance between the internal combustion engine and electric power: recent rumors have speculated about breaking away from the planned 50-50 split, possibly reducing the electric component. However, the official statement does not provide further details on this point.
The regulations beyond 2026
The conversation shifts when it comes to future regulatory cycles, which currently have no defined timeline. The idea of moving away from the current power unit concept has now been formally acknowledged.
“Beyond the 2026 regulations,” the statement continues, “a range of options and timings for the future were discussed. One topic under consideration was the adoption of naturally aspirated engines using sustainable fuel.”
The discussions focused on:
– Reducing F1 power unit R&D costs
– Creating a safeguard against fluctuations in the global economy
– Simplifying the complexity of F1 power units
– Sustainability considerations, weight reduction in relation to safety, performance, road relevance, sound, and fan appeal
The FIA reiterated its intention to decide on future engine regulations in consultation with all stakeholders to agree on a path forward.
Conclusions
Finally, the conclusions were outlined. They appear to revolve around four main points: the confirmation of the 2026 rules, maintaining a level of electrification in all future engine regulations, the imperative of using sustainable fuels, and a focus on cost reduction.
“The conclusions from today’s meeting were as follows:
– All parties committed to respecting the 2026 regulations and look forward to exciting racing
– All parties agreed to continue discussions on the sport’s future technical direction
– A level of electrification will always be part of any future consideration
– The use of sustainable fuels will be imperative
– Financial regulation adjustments relating to Power Units will be considered as part of broader cost reductions”
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