Hybrid engines are here to stay in F1 after the FIA confirmed that future engine regulations will continue to include electrification and sustainable fuels, following key discussions in Bahrain.
The meeting, chaired by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, brought together senior representatives from Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull-Ford, Audi, Honda, Cadillac, and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to discuss the long-term direction of the sport’s power units.
Recent speculation had suggested that the FIA was exploring the possibility of returning to normally aspirated V10 engines — potentially combined with KERS hybrid technology — as part of a move to simplify power units and reduce weight.
However, following the Bahrain meeting, the FIA issued a detailed statement confirming that while a variety of future ideas will be explored, hybrid power will remain a core element of any new regulations.
FIA commits to F1 hybrid engine and sustainable fuels
The FIA reiterated that the 2026 power unit regulations — which will introduce hybrid engines using 100% sustainable fuels — are locked in, with any future rule changes set to build on those foundations.
“All parties are committed to the 2026 regulations and look forward to the prospect of exciting racing,” read the FIA statement. “A level of electrification will always be part of any future considerations. The use of sustainable fuel will be an imperative.”
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The FIA also reaffirmed its focus on cost control, sustainability, and road-relevance, with power unit manufacturers encouraged to reduce complexity and development expenditure.
Ben Sulayem stressed that the purpose of the meeting was to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the sport — both from a financial perspective and in terms of environmental responsibility.
“The FIA president was keen to stress that the purpose of the gathering was to seek cost-effective solutions to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the sport and the business of Formula 1,” the statement continued.
V10 return not ruled out — but not a priority
While a return to V10 engines was discussed as a future possibility, such proposals are now firmly in the background, with the immediate focus remaining on hybrid power and sustainable technology.
A potential compromise for future engine cycles could involve normally aspirated V10s combined with hybrid elements like KERS — but weight and packaging challenges could prevent such a solution from becoming feasible.
The FIA confirmed that all stakeholders will continue discussions on shaping the 2031 engine regulations and beyond, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and electrification.
2026 engine rules attract new manufacturers
The confirmation of hybrid engines as part of Formula 1’s future is crucial for manufacturers like Audi and Honda, both of whom committed to the 2026 regulations on the basis of sustainable fuel use and hybrid power.
The FIA believes that the technical direction taken for 2026 has been validated by this increased manufacturer interest, ensuring the sport remains attractive for global automotive brands.
Further discussions will focus on ensuring performance convergence between power unit suppliers, reducing the risk of one manufacturer dominating the next generation of engines.
FIA Statement in Full
The FIA convened a meeting in Bahrain today to discuss the current and future Power Unit direction for Formula 1. The meeting, chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the CEO of FOM Stefano Domenicali and FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis, was attended by representatives in person and via videoconference from Audi, Ferrari, Ford, General Motors, Honda Racing, Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains.
The list of representatives included Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG, Michael Moritz, COO Sauber Holding AG, Frédéric, Vasseur, Team Principal, Scuderia Ferrari HP, Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance, Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, Russ O’Blenes, CEO of GM Performance Power Units, Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing, Tetsushi Kakuda, Executive Chief Engineer, Honda Racing, Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group, Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Christian Horner, Team Principal and CEO, Oracle Red Bull Racing and Mattia Binotto, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer of Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.
In opening the meeting, the FIA President was keen to stress that the purpose of the gathering was to seek cost-effective solutions to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the sport and the business of Formula 1.
The FIA has firmly committed to the 2026 Formula One regulations. The FIA technical department, together with a number of stakeholders, has invested a lot of time in the framing of the 2026 regulations on hybrid Power Units with 100% sustainable fuel.
The 2026 regulations, governing Power Unit and chassis, have attracted new Power Unit manufacturers to the sport – underlining that for the 2026 cycle, the correct technical path has been chosen.
Minor refinements and adjustments are still being constructively discussed with all stakeholders.
Besides the 2026 regulations, a range of options and timelines for the future were discussed. One of the topics under discussion was the adoption of normally-aspirated engines with sustainable fuel.
Discussions centred on:
- Reducing costs of research and development of F1 powertrains
- Building resilience against the fluctuations of the global economy
- Reducing the complexity of Formula 1 Power Units
- Considerations on sustainability, weight reduction in relation to safety, performance, road car relevance, sound and audience appeal
It is always the FIA’s intention to take a decision on future engine regulations in consultation with all stakeholders to agree a way forward. The conclusion of today’s meeting was as follows:
- All parties are committed to the 2026 regulations and look forward to the prospect of exciting racing
- All parties agreed to continue discussions on the future technical direction of the sport
- A level of electrification will always be part of any future considerations
- The use of sustainable fuel will be an imperative
- Consideration will be given to adjustments on financial regulations relating to Power Units as part of broader cost reductions
- Policing of those regulations will be a priority
Whichever engine roadmap is decided upon, the FIA is supportive of the teams and PU manufacturers in ensuring containment of costs of R&D expenditure, taking account of environmental considerations and acting in the best interests of the sport and the fans.
