Formula 1 bosses and the FIA are almost done deciding on the rules for cars and engines until 2026. But they’re already thinking about what comes after that.
Stefano Domenicali, the head of Formula 1, hinted that they might change everything about the engines. They want the cars to be louder.
Since 2014, Formula 1 cars have been using turbo hybrid engines. But many fans miss the loud noise of the old V8 engines.
Even though the turbo hybrids have gotten louder, they’re still not loud enough for Formula 1.
So, Formula 1 might try new things, like new technologies or going back to the old V8 engines, to make the cars louder again.
Domenicali talked to some media before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. He said he wants Formula 1 cars to be louder. He also said if the new sustainable fuels they’re planning for 2026 work well, they might get rid of hybrid engines and try something new.
“As soon as the 2026 regulations are defined, we will start to think about what the next steps will be, such as the 2030 engine,” said Domenicali. “It is a personal consideration of mine, not yet shared with the teams, even if we have spoken about it with the FIA, that if sustainable fuels work, we will need to carefully evaluate whether to continue with hybrid (technology) or whether better solutions will be available.”
Some people think Formula 1 could bring back the V8 engines if they use sustainable fuel. This would also make the cars lighter, which many people want.
Last year, world champion Max Verstappen said he’d like Formula 1 to switch back to V8 engines. He said V8 engines are smoother and more natural than the current ones.
Domenicali also talked about the progress they’re making on the 2026 rules. He said they should be ready by June 1st and there will be a lot of changes.
But there are some issues with the new rules, especially with the weight of the cars. Domenicali said the cars have gotten heavier because of the hybrid engines. He also said they’re working on making the cars louder, because that’s what fans want.
