The future of Formula 1 engines is a hot topic, as the current hybrid PU-generation has won few friends, from day one they whimpered around, the meek sound disguising their amazing speed while dreadfully expensive on all fronts.
No one liked them at the time, few still do but rather tolerate them because: it is what it is for F1.
Thus no surprise there has always been a hankering for a return to normal-aspirated engines, ditching all the amazing but prohibitively expensive electric bits in the process. Even F1’s king of the moment, soon-to-be triple Champ, Max Verstappen wishes for a V8 to power his Red Bull. And with sustainable fuel on the menu for 2026, it is not a pipe dream at all.
Notably, in an interview with Motorsport, even F1 chief Domenicali is buying into such change: “If we can be effective in the study and production of sustainable fuel, we will be able to think about the next generation of power units, focusing on lightness. We want a competitive engine, with much horsepower and also with a great sound. 99.9% of people want to hear Formula 1 sound on track again, and that’s something we’ve put on the table.”
This brings the subject to F1’s Valhalla, namely making the pinnacle of the sport road-relevant in terms of technology to attract manufacturers on the pretext of tax-deductible research and development, a possibility Domenicali suggests could happen: “Today we are in a transition phase, where large manufacturers need to develop hybrid and electric technologies since they are part of their sales portfolio.”
The issue of sustainable fuels in F1 is fundamental
At the same time, sustainable fuels open alternative opportunities according to Domenicali: “I believe if we do a good job with sustainable fuels, we will be able to have simplified engines in a few years with a lower impact on weight. It’s something we’ll soon start thinking about.”
Weight and subsequent length of modern F1 cars have long been a problem, which Domenicali acknowledged: “It is a very important issue. Over the years the weight of the cars has increased, and obviously, no one questions what has been done on the safety front. But there has also been the development of new technologies and the subsequent adoption of batteries, an aspect that has led to an impact on the weight front.
“As Formula 1, we have to ask ourselves what we can accelerate in terms of development, and here the issue of sustainable fuels is fundamental. The perception and the market on this front are changing, and I think a very good choice was made when we first decided to take this path.
“We do not want to make technological wars against full electric mobility, as it is a technology that will have its own market. But we believe that Formula 1 can accelerate the possibility of having sustainable fuel at the right price, and this will be a great help for mobility in the absolute sense, including commercial vehicles, and aviation. And the one that includes cars circulating in the world, which are about a billion and a half.
“It’s a very important challenge for Formula 1, and I’m sure it will also help to bring together the vision of all the teams,” predicted Domenicali.