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Formula 1 is entering a period of significant evolution, with CEO Stefano Domenicali confirming that the championship and its power unit manufacturers are open to exploring "different" power unit concepts for the future.
The current 50-50 hybrid units, introduced in 2022, were designed specifically to attract new manufacturers to the sport. This strategy has proven successful, with Audi committing as a works team, Ford joining as a technical partner to Red Bull Powertrains, and Honda returning as a works squad alongside Aston Martin. Furthermore, General Motors is set to develop its own power unit for Cadillac by 2029. These regulations were crafted to ensure road relevance for the OEMs, mirroring the shift in the mid-2010s when the sport moved from naturally aspirated V8 engines to 1.6L V6 turbo hybrids to align with the automotive industry's focus on hybrid technology.
The modern automotive landscape has shifted toward sustainable and renewable fuels. With F1 set to utilize 100% sustainable fuel by 2026, there is renewed optimism that the sport could eventually see a return to V8 or V10 engines—powerplants last seen in 2005—running on these advanced, carbon-neutral fuels.
Domenicali emphasized that the changing "ecosystem" of manufacturers has made these discussions possible. “The manufacturers have understood that the future power units in motorsport could be different, and it is something which is part of the evolution of the relationship,” he noted. “The ecosystem has changed so quickly that it is impressive.”
Despite ongoing debates regarding technical regulations and the performance of the current generation of cars—criticisms notably voiced by four-time champion Max Verstappen—Domenicali maintains that the sport is in "great shape" and that fan reception has been "very positive."
The F1 chief cautioned against becoming overly consumed by technical minutiae that may not resonate with the broader audience. “Sometimes, we are getting too philosophical or too technical in things that the vast majority of people do not perceive,” Domenicali explained. “The focus should stay in the right forum, because it is the nature of Formula 1 to discuss and improve, but it shouldn't be at the centre of the focus for the vast majority of fans.”
Ultimately, Domenicali believes the core appeal of the sport remains unchanged: “People want to see the best drivers managing and handling things the best way they can.” He stressed that while the FIA and teams must coordinate on the long-term technical roadmap—including the next generation of power units—these discussions must remain in the appropriate professional forums.
“Our focus is the fans, and if we miss that, it will just be a technical exercise that is not really relevant for the vast majority,” he concluded.
For more on the latest developments in the sport, read about the FIA's recent regulatory refinements and the ongoing discussions regarding future engine regulations.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.
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