Formula 1 continues to delay the definition of its engine regulations from the 2026 season, and it is that the promise was to deliberate before June to give the constructors time to begin preliminary studies on the power units, which must use biofuels zero emissions.
The Commission of the highest category will meet at the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring circuit, where they will have to untangle some threads that weigh down the shared vision of the future. According to AMuS , Porsche and Audi , the two Volkswagen Group brands that had expressed an interest in joining Formula 1, would be highly upset by the FIA’s delays in making decisions.
In reality, the situation is much more complex than the Germans want it to be seen, and the fact is that the concessions that could be given to new manufacturers are at stake, and that Red Bull Powertrains is also asking for, but that the other engine manufacturers that They already don’t want to give up because in Milton Keynes they would benefit from the experience shared with Honda in recent years.
Decisions still need to be made about stringent costing and development, limiting engine bench testing, and all are logical talking points for the sustainable future of the series, especially after this very positive wave of popularity.
But all this, despite being very important, comes after some basic elections that have not yet been confirmed, since on the 1.6-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engines, like the current ones, where the MGU will be dispensed with- H in the hybrid part, it has not yet been explained how they will supply the electrical power to reach a thousand horsepower.
That elimination of one of the elements of the hybrid powertrain is to cut costs, and Porsche and Audi , supported by Formula 1 itself, are promoting solutions that should be very similar with many of the same parts, such as a single turbo and hybrid system, including pistons and screws. Following this line, the power units would lose all part of the research, if it were not for the development of synthetic fuels.
Can Ferrari accept that the Great Circus becomes a kind of IndyCar, in which the DNA of Formula 1 takes a backseat due to the demands of those who want an “easy” income?
Liberty Media is rubbing its hands because it would mean putting all the constructors on the same competitive level, which would open the possibility of more teams winning races, but can Ferrari grant these solutions?
Those from Maranello would have an ace up their sleeve by being able to play with the right to veto, but there are those within the Prancing Horse who see that the decrease in costs is a positive key, and they seem to want to continue with the direction of the German brands. Will it be an own goal or should we wait for a change of course?
