Formula 1 will not return to V10 engines nor to the atmospheric propellants in the near future, since the F1 commission He has confirmed his commitment to the regulation of power units that will enter into force next season.
This regulation was discussed and approved by the FIA in 2022, while engines manufacturers had been working on it for years.
However, the FIA has been granted margin for “small refinements”, which could be used to eliminate the risk that cars are left without battery deployment before the end of long straight straight, which has caused concern to both pilots and equipment and fans.
The governing body will introduce a “descending ramp speed” system that will prevent cars from using all electrical power immediately when leaving a curve, making consumption more gradual. In this way, a progressive increase in speed in the lines will be achieved and pilots will be avoided using all the energy available too soon.
It is expected that electricity represents 50% of the total power of a car –350 kW-, but it has also been proposed to reduce it to 200 kWwhich would allow cars to enjoy constant electrical power throughout the lap, either only in paths sensitive to power such as Yeda, Monza, Baku and Las Vegas, or in all circuits.
Formula 1 rules for 2026
The F1 commission It will debate it at a meeting this Thursday, but it is known that some engines manufacturers are skeptical about whether to eliminate 150 kW of electric power in the race and skew the balance to only 35% of electricity can be considered a lower refinement.
Not all power units suppliers have the same position on these issues, since some argue that F1 had a similar system in its previous Turbo, when cars had much more power in classification than in the race.
The director of the Red Bull Racing team, Christian HornerHe supported the proposal when he spoke at Yeda’s paddock, indicating: “If they do it in the interest of sport, then we must support it.” Toto wolffby Mercedes, however, he labeled the idea of ”joke.”
Audi and Honda They do not seem to bow to accept any change, while in Ferrari there are feelings found. The team leader, Frederic Vasseurhe has admitted that some aspects of the new regulation may have been underestimated and asked team leaders not to reject the change in order of their potential competitive advantage.
