Formula 1 could realistically return to naturally aspirated engines in 2026

With the advent of new regulations on power units in 2026 and the introduction of e-fuels, chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali is convinced that Formula 1 could abandon hybrids and return to naturally aspirated engines after thirteen years. The Italian manager is putting all his bets on eco-sustainable fuels for the next regulatory era instead of embracing electric power. However, the issue of increased battery weight is also a significant concern.

Goodbye to turbo power units? The former Ferrari boss strongly emphasizes e-fuels to return to naturally aspirated engines in 2026.

“With e-fuels, we can consider simpler and lighter single-seaters equipped with naturally aspirated engines without hybrids, capable of reproducing that sound we were accustomed to,” Stefano Domenicali stated in an interview with Motorsport.it – “We do not want to engage in technological wars against full electric mobility. It is a technology that will have its market, but we believe that Formula 1 can accelerate the possibility of having sustainable fuels at the right price.” – the Italian manager explained.

“This will be a great help for mobility in all sectors, including commercial and aviation, as well as for the existing fleet of vehicles in the world, which is approximately one and a half billion. It is a very important challenge for Formula 1. I am certain that it will also help align the vision of all the teams.” – he added.

This is the perspective of the 58-year-old from Imola, who has a clear direction in mind for the future of Formula 1. Instead of conforming to electric power, the premier class has decided to focus entirely on eco-sustainable fuels, enabling them to offer an alternative in the road market without giving up on the internal combustion engine.

The increase in electric power in 2026 raises concerns about the weight of the batteries. The regulations for 2026 foresee a higher electric power output, which will equalize the thermally-powered component. This has raised numerous concerns among industry professionals, as increasing the electric component would result in a substantial increase in battery weight.

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“Formula 1 has in its DNA the culture of lightening every component of the single-seater as much as possible,” Stefano Domenicali continues. “I am certain that there will be research and studies to address this problem, but it will be the next step that will primarily resolve it.”

“If we can be effective in studying and developing sustainable fuels, we can consider the next generation of power units focusing on lightness. We want a competitive engine with a significant horsepower and a more important sound. 99.9% of people want to hear the Formula 1 sound on the track again, and it is a demand that we have put on the table.” – the former Ferrari boss explained.

In addition to plans to return to lighter single-seaters with increasingly sustainable power units, the leaders of Formula 1 also aim to satisfy the fans who have always been displeased with the reduced sound since the introduction of turbo-hybrid engines in 2014.

Finally, speaking about the complexity of the current power units, Stefano Domenicali states, “Today, we are in a transition phase. The major manufacturers need to develop hybrid and electric technologies as they are part of their sales portfolio. But I believe that if we do a good job with sustainable fuels, we will be able to have simplified engines with a reduced impact on weight in a few years. It is something we will soon begin to consider.” – the current Formula 1 chief executive officer concluded.