Lighter and noisier engines are under study for 2026
Stefano Domenicali wishes to hear louder engines for the 2026 season. The engine regulations will evolve in 2026 and it will be an opportunity to review certain aspects that have shocked fans in previous seasons.
Formula 1 wishes to keep internal combustion engines until 2026. F1 does not want to become electric.
Stefano Domenicali, Director of Formula 1, even wishes for the cars to make more noise in the future. Several things are to be worked on for the engines in 2026.
« If we can be efficient in the study and production of sustainable fuel, we can think about the next generation of powertrains, focusing on lightness,” said Stefano Domenicali to the English media Autosport.
« We want a competitive engine, with a lot of power and also with an exceptional sound. 99.9% of people want to hear the sound of Formula 1 on the track again, and that’s something we have put on the table, continues the F1 director.
The goal of Formula 1 is to become carbon neutral by 2030 and work towards having a 50% hybrid power unit technology. « We are currently in a transition phase where major car manufacturers need to develop hybrid and electric technologies as they are part of their sales portfolio. »
« I think that 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 will soon start thinking about,” explains the 58-year-old man.
The president of Formula 1’s wish is to reduce the weight of cars while maintaining safety. « Over the years, the weight of cars has increased, and obviously, no one questions what has been done in terms of safety. There has also been the development of new technologies and the subsequent adoption of batteries, which has had an impact on the weight front. »
Two major issues are therefore being resolved: the weight of the cars, often criticized by the drivers, and the sound of the engines, often criticized by the public.
