FIA Signals Shift on 2026 Power-Unit Regulations Amid Changing Automotive Landscape

In summer 2022 the sport’s technical formula was agreed on a near-equal split of electrical and internal-combustion output (? 50 % each). The agreement coincided with global pledges to phase out conventional engines in favour of full electrification. Since then, consumer resistance to electric vehicles and a slower rollout of sustainable fuels have altered those expectations, prompting the FIA to reassess the relevance of the 2026 rules.

FIA agrees with F1: "We cannot be hostage to automotive companies"

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis told media ahead of the Miami Grand Prix that the governing body must protect Formula 1 from “the world macro-economic situation” and avoid being “hostage to automotive companies deciding to be part of our sport or not.” He indicated that the 2026 power-unit formula may be tweaked before its planned phase-out in 2031 to safeguard cost-effectiveness and competitive stability.

FIA agrees with F1: "We cannot be hostage to automotive companies"

• 2026 regulations embody a roughly 50 % electrical / 50 % internal-combustion power split.

FIA issues refusal to ‘be hostage’ to car brands over F1 engine rules

• Development of the 2026 package required six years of work before approval.

‘Cannot be hostage’: FIA draws line on F1 engine future

• The next major regulatory overhaul is scheduled for 2031, with a long design lead-time for new power units.

‘Cannot be hostage’: FIA draws line on F1 engine future

Tombazis explained that the “political landscape has changed” since the rules were drafted, noting that manufacturers once promised to abandon new internal-combustion engines but have not fully delivered. He highlighted the FIA’s focus on cost reduction, sustainable-fuel integration, and maintaining manufacturer participation without compromising the sport’s independence. FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem was present during the remarks, underscoring institutional support for the proposed direction.

‘Cannot be hostage’: FIA draws line on F1 engine future

Teams and drivers have voiced concerns that the 2026 package’s battery-management limits and “super-clipping” reduce straight-line speed, making races less exciting. An accident involving Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto in Japan intensified calls for adjustments to energy deployment and qualifying performance. Some fans worry that a shift back toward louder combustion engines, even with sustainable fuels, could alienate newer viewers accustomed to the hybrid era.

FIA issues refusal to ‘be hostage’ to car brands over F1 engine rules

The Japan incident prompted the FIA to approve immediate tweaks ahead of the Miami round, targeting energy-deployment rules, qualifying formats, and safety measures. Stakeholder meetings described the process as “quite constructive,” though participants acknowledged the difficulty of balancing team performance goals with broader sport-wide objectives.

‘Cannot be hostage’: FIA draws line on F1 engine future

Sources differ on the likelihood and timing of a return to louder combustion-only engines; while some suggest a possible move toward sustainable-fuel-powered ICEs, no concrete plan has been disclosed. Details on how cost-reduction targets will be achieved, and the exact metrics for future power-unit evaluation, remain unspecified.

‘Cannot be hostage’: FIA draws line on F1 engine future

• “It is true the political landscape has changed and back when we discussed the current regulations, the automotive companies who were very involved told us that they're never going to make another [new] internal combustion engine again,” — Nikolas Tombazis, FIA single-seater director

FIA agrees with F1: "We cannot be hostage to automotive companies"

• “In terms of where we want to be in the future, we do need to protect the sport from the world macroeconomic situation, meaning we cannot be hostage to automotive companies deciding to be part of our sport or not.” — Nikolas Tombazis

FIA agrees with F1: "We cannot be hostage to automotive companies"

• “We want them to be part of our sport, absolutely – that's why we've worked so hard to secure new ones to participate.” — Nikolas Tombazis

FIA agrees with F1: "We cannot be hostage to automotive companies"

• “But we can also not be in a position where, if they decide they don’t want to be, we’re suddenly left vulnerable. And we need to keep working for cost reduction.” — Nikolas Tombazis

FIA issues refusal to ‘be hostage’ to car brands over F1 engine rules

• “Please don’t forget that ADUO is not like, as some people may say, a balance of performance,” — Nikolas Tombazis

‘Cannot be hostage’: FIA draws line on F1 engine future

• “And then finally, if we are to change anything for the next cycle, we need to start discussing it very soon because the time it takes to make a power unit and an engine and all that is quite long.” — Nikolas Tombazis

FIA agrees with F1: "We cannot be hostage to automotive companies"

The FIA plans to begin formal discussions on the next power-unit cycle well before the 2031 implementation date, emphasizing early engagement to accommodate long development timelines. Ongoing efforts will focus on reducing unit costs, refining the sustainable-fuel framework, and ensuring that future regulations remain resilient to shifting automotive market commitments.

‘Cannot be hostage’: FIA draws line on F1 engine future