Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has called for stakeholders to agree on the next generation of power unit regulations as early as this year. He emphasized the need to act quickly due to long lead times, while respecting investments from manufacturers like Audi and Honda. Domenicali backs lighter, simpler engines centered on sustainable fuel and strong internal combustion.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated that the series cannot afford to delay decisions on future power unit rules. Speaking to Autosport, he said, 'We cannot lose too much time because time is passing so quickly. We need to be robust enough to allow us not to be in a corner, we need to decide as soon as possible.' He noted that discussions with the FIA on what comes next must happen this year, following the introduction of the 2026 regulations package, which began development in 2021. Discussions on post-2026 formulas were postponed last year to focus on the current rollout, which secured commitments from Audi and Honda. The push for simpler engines was initiated by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Governance agreements on regulations expire at the end of 2030, after which the FIA can propose new rules, with potential to advance the timeline if manufacturers agree via supermajority. Domenicali stressed respecting current OEM investments, saying, 'In this moment, to have a manufacturer that invests in Formula 1 is something incredible, which deserves our total respect.' Domenicali supports the FIA's vision for lighter cars with sustainable fuel at the center, a strong internal combustion engine, and reduced electrification compared to recent hybrids. He described this as aligning with motorsport's essence, enabling 'pure racing' with smaller, lighter vehicles that purists would appreciate. A growing paddock consensus favors a return to pre-2014-style engines with more cylinders and simplified hybrids for 2031 onward, aided by shifts away from pure electric vehicles and F1's sustainable fuels introduced this year.
