Electrification will always be part of future F1 options, says FIA

The FIA has confirmed that hybrids will remain a key element of any future power unit regulations after holding exploratory talks in Bahrain.

Formula 1 stakeholders met on Friday morning to discuss future engine options after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem led calls to consider a move towards V10 power units, with questions over whether or not the 2026 engine regulations could be shortened.

The meeting was hosted by Ben Sulayem and attended by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali as well as all 2026 engine manufacturers either in person or remotely, with representatives from Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull - Ford, Audi, Honda and Cadillac.

It was agreed that discussions on V10s will be put into the long grass for now as all parties committed to the 2026 hybrid regulations that enticed both Audi and Honda to participate.

In a detailed statement that the FIA shared, there was a consensus that "electrification will always be part of any future considerations", with follow-up discussions planned to further shape what F1's engine formula for 2031 and beyond could look like.

A compromise of a V10 engine paired with some form of KERS system could be an option in the future, although weight considerations may well become a stumbling block for such a solution.

2026 Formula 1 rules

Photo by: FIA

There was also a firm commitment to the use of sustainable fuels, which will be introduced in 2026 and will be "imperative" for future regulations.

The FIA will also continue to call for cost reductions in the research and development of F1 powertrains in order to safeguard the series against "fluctuations of the global economy".

"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 statement read.

"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.

"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"

Discussions are still ongoing to find a way to speed up the convergence of performance between power unit manufacturers, to avoid a repeat of Mercedes' wildly dominant start to the hybrid era in 2014, with options including opening up in-season development under F1's engine budget cap.