– The current Formula 1 regulations are only a few weeks old. But now series boss Stefano Domenicali explained in an exclusive interview with Autosport, a sister platform of Motorsport-Total.com and Formel1.de at Motorsport Network: Formula 1 must soon agree on a new powertrain format for the next regulatory cycle.
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Domenicali said: “We must not lose too much time because time passes so quickly. And we must not corner ourselves but decide as quickly as possible – still this year. Of course, we will discuss this together with the FIA.”
However, Domenicali wants to avoid a “rush decision”: The involved manufacturers have invested a lot of money to build powertrains for the 2026 Formula 1 regulations. Shelving these powertrains quickly would be hard to justify in this context.
Domenicali said: “At the moment, it is something incredible to have a manufacturer investing in Formula 1. That deserves our full respect. Because in this environment, you don’t want to take that for granted. And the FIA should coordinate with its vision which regulations can be proposed to the manufacturers and teams.”
When will the new powertrain format come?
The exact timing for the introduction of a new powertrain format is still open. According to Domenicali, Formula 1 plans to use the current powertrains until “the end of 2030.” “After that, the FIA has the opportunity to create a [new] regulation. However, we have to check if there is a possibility to bring the whole thing forward. That is part of the discussions we will now conduct.”
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An agreement with the parties involved is essential for this: Under the current rules, a so-called supermajority among the powertrain manufacturers is required to change the previous plan and, for example, shorten the usage time of the powertrains.
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What does the new powertrain format look like?
It also remains to clarify the specific structure of the power units. A return to a similar powertrain formula as before 2014 is being considered: an engine with more cylinders and a simplified hybrid component.
Photo series: The new Formula 1 powertrain regulations from 2026
However, Formula 1 would also be dependent on political framework conditions: The European Union, national governments, and last but not least the manufacturers themselves would have to reconsider the current course towards electromobility. Such a course correction could be supported by innovative sustainable fuels, as used by Formula 1 since 2026.
The new focus of Formula 1 according to Domenicali
Domenicali himself sees sustainable fuels “clearly at the center of the future” and aims for a “different balance between electrification and a strong combustion engine.”
Domenicali explained: “It would allow saving many kilograms and have pure racing in this respect – in the form of lighter, smaller cars that you can really push hard. I believe that would also satisfy the purists.”
However, there could be “some adjustments” in the short term, as Domenicali further said. He considers the current racing in the 2026 season “great, but the car is still very heavy. Also, the battery has brought many things that must be considered in the design. We are now processing these things, and we have to react.”
Read more Stefano Domenicali: Decision on next powertrain format still in 2026
