V10 or no V10? The FIA gathers engine manufacturers in Bahrain to design the engine of tomorrow

At a time when Formula 1 is about to make a major technological shift with the arrival of the 2026 regulations, the International Automobile Federation convened a strategic meeting this Thursday, April 11, in Bahrain. Objective: to bring together the key players involved in the development of power units to align visions, ambitions, and constraints in the medium and long term.

Organized on the eve of the Grand Prix, this meeting gathered an impressive array of decision-makers. Alongside Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, and Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Management, were present either in person or via videoconference the leaders of Audi, Ferrari, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes, and Red Bull Powertrains. An unprecedented configuration where Christian Horner, Toto Wolff, Frédéric Vasseur, and Ola Källenius and Mark Reuss mingled, in a format that was both political and technical.

From the outset, the tone was set. The aim of this meeting is to seek profitable solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport and the economic activity of Formula 1, reminded Mohammed Ben Sulayem. While F1 claims its commitment towards more sustainable mobility, the discussions provided an update on the 2026 engine regulations and outlined the main ideas of what could follow.

A course set for 2026

The essence of the FIA’s message remains clear: no turning back on the 2026 shift. The upcoming regulations will introduce a new generation of hybrid power units using 100% sustainable fuel, with increased electric power. The FIA is firmly committed to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, the statement notes, highlighting the significant investments already made in developing these standards.

This technological shift, already implemented, has attracted new engine manufacturers like Audi and brought back Honda, proof, according to the Federation, that the right technical path has been chosen.

However, adjustments are still under consideration: weight, noise, safety, relevance for production vehicles… so many variables on which the FIA wishes to have constructive discussions with all stakeholders. The format therefore remains open, and the desire to listen remains intact.

The engine for the post-2026 already under consideration

More surprising perhaps: while 2026 is on track, the FIA has already begun discussions about what comes after. Among the scenarios mentioned is a return to naturally aspirated engines paired with sustainable fuels, in a move towards technological simplification and cost control.

The discussions focused on reducing R&D costs, resilience in the face of global economic fluctuations, the simplification of powertrains, and considerations related to sustainability, safety, performance, and public appeal, summarizes the Federation. It is therefore not just about engineering, but a subtle balance between industrial strategy, marketing, and ecological commitment.

Clear points of agreement

At the end of this meeting, several common commitments emerged. All participants reaffirmed their support for the 2026 rules, while agreeing to continue discussions on the future technical direction of the sport. While electrification will remain an essential element, it will not be exclusive: a certain level of electrification will always be part of future considerations, but the use of sustainable fuels is now considered imperative.

On the financial regulation front, a project is also underway. The FIA is considering specific adjustments to the costs related to power units, integrated into a broader logic of overall cost reduction. One of the challenges will therefore be to ensure strict control of compliance with these rules.

The conclusions of the meeting are as follows:

– Toutes les parties sont engagées envers le règlement de 2026 et attendent avec impatience des courses passionnantes​ ;

– Toutes les parties ont convenu de poursuivre les discussions sur l’orientation technique future du sport​ ;

– Un certain niveau d’électrification fera toujours partie des considérations futures​ ;

– L’utilisation de carburants durables sera impérative​ ;

– Des ajustements des règlements financiers relatifs aux groupes motopropulseurs seront envisagés dans le cadre de réductions de coûts plus larges​ ;

– Le respect de ces règlements sera une priorité.

A sport under pressure

This meeting, unprecedented in the density of its cast, illustrates the multiple tensions F1 is facing: environmental pressure, economic uncertainties, changing public expectations… The engine of tomorrow must not only be clean and efficient, it must also captivate crowds, excite fans, and align with the constraints of global manufacturers. While today the V6 hybrid engine meets these initial criteria, it falls short of generating the thrills that older fans experienced during the V10 era with its high-pitched sound.

The FIA, which aims to be the guarantor of the general interest, assures its support to all stakeholders « to contain research and development costs, taking into account environmental considerations and acting in the best interest of the sport and the fans ».

This meeting in Bahrain thus marks the launch of a new cycle of reflections. While 2026 is a crucial technical milestone, the challenge now is to make it a solid foundation for building F1 for the next decade. A Formula 1 capable of combining technology, spectacle, and responsibility.