FIA's findings after 'key' engine regulations meeting with F1's manufacturers

The FIA held a meeting on Bahrain on Friday to hear F1's engine manufacturer's stances on what the future would look like for the series, the exchanged was found to be 'constructive'.

Led by the FIA's incumbent president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the meeting also counted with the presence of FOM CEO, Stefano Domenicali, Director of Single Seaters, Nikolas Tombazis and representatives from Audi, Honda, Mercedes, Ferrari, General Motors and Red Bull Powertrains.

The purpose of the meeting as Ben Sulayem clarified, was to "to seek cost-effective solutions to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the sport and the business of Formula 1," read a statement released by the governing body.

Furthermore, the FIA has reaffirmed its committment to the 2026 regulations having "invested a lot of time in the framing of the 2026 regulations on hybrid Power Units with 100% sustainable fuel," acknowleding that the upcoming regulations surrounding Power Units and chassis have played a major role in attracting new manufacturers to F1, "underlining that for the 2026 cycle, the correct technical path has been chosen."

The discussions, as per the FIA's statement, centered around the reduction of costs regarding the research and development into the hybrid power units, and reducing their complexity as well, and finding a way to face the complex economic climate the world is facing, whilst also considering, sustainability, driver safety, road car relevance, performance, sound and fan appeal.

"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," the FIA's statement concluded.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, in an interview with Sky Sports whilst stating that the return of V10 engines to Formula 1 could be "attractive," he also stressed that it should be done responsibly. Read more

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