(Motorsport-Total.com) – When the next generation of engines is negotiated in the Formula 1 paddock, fundamentally different philosophies regularly clash. It is about technical relevance for production manufacturers, the fascination for millions of fans, and the image that a global racing series wants to project in times of climate change.
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In the middle of it all, Formula 1 operates under the leadership of Stefano Domenicali. While the FIA, the world governing body for motorsport, formally has the final say on technical regulations, Domenicali makes it clear that the promoter is by no means limited to the role of a spectator.
“The discussions we conduct together, involving manufacturers, fans, teams, and drivers, are, in my opinion, at the right point,” emphasizes the Formula 1 boss.
That there are certain frictions and differing opinions on this topic is part of the nature of the premier class. The result for 2026 is a set of regulations that hardly anyone seems satisfied with anymore. Fans are mainly bothered by the energy management, while the FIA, represented by President Mohammed bin Sulayem, would prefer to push the next cycle forward – including a return to V8 engines (or more).
Domenicali, however, strikes a different tone and emphasizes that perceptions have shifted since the start of the season: “It’s incredible how quickly things can change from month to month. I remember that at the beginning of this regulation change there was perhaps a lot of negativity with great fears,” he says.
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“By now, that has shifted significantly. That is the evolution or nature of our sport: At the beginning, you always try to find problems first instead of thinking about the opportunities that a change can bring.”
Nevertheless, Domenicali is of course also thinking about further development and the direction the sport should take: “I think the main goal of future regulations is to keep things as simple as possible, to lead Formula 1 sport to lighter cars, with sustainable fuel, naturally with electrification, and above all to give drivers the chance to push as hard as possible in a certain mode,” Domenicali outlines the vision for the cars.
“Because that has always been something they have demanded as Formula 1 drivers.”
Domenicali Hopes for Consensus with the FIA
While the technical details still rely on the groundwork of the world governing body – (“As far as all the other technical details are concerned, I rely on the FIA to prepare the right things”), the FOM aims to make quick progress: “I am convinced that by the end of this year we will be able to have a ready-to-package concept for discussion.”
He is aware that the FIA could theoretically present a completely new regulation for the period from 2031 onwards. “And if the teams then want to be part of it, they can do so, otherwise not,” he says. “I am exaggerating a bit now, but you understand the principle.”
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But to prevent that, maximum cooperation is relied upon – also with regard to a possible early introduction of a new engine cycle: “If there is consensus about what we do, the corresponding governance must be created together with the teams and manufacturers.”
There is intense struggle behind the scenes because “as you can imagine, there are many different perspectives, and everyone pushes for something different for various reasons. But by the end of the year, we will be able to have the right package for the future.”
Racing Only a Small Part of the Sustainability Strategy
A particularly sensitive point in these debates is the question of how future engine concepts align with Formula 1’s ambitious climate goals. Speculations about a return to high-revving naturally aspirated engines regularly draw critics, as these would potentially consume significantly more fuel.
Domenicali, however, sees no contradiction with the targeted climate neutrality by 2030: “I think that will not change anything because the goal remains to be climate neutral as an overall ecosystem by 2030. We are fully on track. I think the nature of sustainable fuel will not change the impact when talking about what we do on the racetrack.”
“You know, we are talking about one or two percent of our total emissions that occur on the track,” Domenicali puts the proportions into perspective. The decisive lever lies instead in global freight and event logistics, not on the asphalt.
“Our main focus is on logistics because what we organize worldwide is a huge task. What we as the Formula 1 system have already contributed to the world, for example in the area of sustainable aviation fuel, is really enormous.”
“So that will not change our approach to continue in this direction. And no matter what the world thinks – and I currently see a lot of headwind from many sides: We are focused on meeting our goal. Because that is something we have at the very top of the priority list of our sport within our sustainability and environmental agenda.”
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