The FIA wishes for Formula 1 to resemble road cars as closely as possible
With the zero emissions target of 2030, the FIA is exploring options for its upcoming regulations. In the long term, F1 engines must move more and more towards what is being done in everyday cars. It is this objective that the FIA is aiming for with its numerous innovations.
From 2026, the organization has committed to making the new set of rules more aligned with the automotive industry. The already hybrid engines will make even more room for electric ones, and the fuels used will be entirely sustainable. Consequently, the tanks will be filled with less polluting fuel.
This change will result in the use of a 50% electric, 50% thermal engine. In order to preserve the interest of the teams for its championship, Formula 1 wants to remain at the forefront of technological development. With the current trend towards the development of fully electric cars, or at least hybrids, the FIA leaders want to stay up to date.
The future of the next powertrains is uncertain. The evolution of the post-2026 regulations is not yet finalized. However, Nikolas Tombazis, Head of Single-Seater Technical Matters at the FIA, states that the upcoming guidelines must provide perspectives and interest for the manufacturers. « The step for 2026 is defined, but what we will do beyond that is still under discussion », said the Greek engineer during a press conference. « There are still many options on the table, whether it be for more sustainable fuels, hydrogen (which the FIA is actively working on), or even more electricity. However, the main objective remains to stay in sync with the participating car manufacturers, avoiding a completely random direction disconnected from road cars. The relevance of F1 to road cars remains the key goal, and the challenge is enormous, as anyone walking through the paddock can see. »
Heading towards 2030
The FIA has still not chosen its next engine regulation. The only known information currently is that Formula 1 must become a zero-emission championship, targeting carbon neutrality. The latest regulations are moving towards a more ecological and responsible transition. However, the pollution generated by the championship does not only come from the races. Formula 1 is a big circus that travels around the world every week. When it comes to the same continent, transportation is done at best by large convoys of trucks. When F1 needs to change continents, these movements are either done by large industrial ships, representing an astonishing consumption of fuel, or by airplane. Not to mention the travels of the teams and drivers.
The increase in the presence of so-called green and more responsible energies is a good thing, representing progress. However, in order to achieve the zero emissions goal, transportation needs to be more environmentally regulated. The Formula 1 calendar, constantly expanding, also does not contribute to reducing these emissions during transportation. In 2023, following the cancellation of Imola, the Formula 1 teams had to move from one circuit to another 22 times.
« The creation and consumption of cars themselves, in proportion to the overall carbon footprint, is very low, stated Nikolas Tombazis. « I think it’s less than 2% in total. It is obvious that our overall responsibility for the sport must also address the other 98%, and this must be covered by logistics, materials, number of components, schedules, and many other things. But the car side is important from a technological standpoint, in relation to the OEMs that participate and can work on technologies, etc… »
The hydrogen option
Over the past few months, F1, FIA, and Extreme H have announced their alliance to form a working group on hydrogen. This initiative, starting in 2025, aims to propose new solutions to move towards carbon neutrality.
« As the governing body of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship and the upcoming FIA Extreme H Championship in 2025, we welcome this latest collaboration,” said the head of single-seaters at the FIA. « The technical department of the FIA has experience and expertise in hydrogen technology, which we will bring to the working group along with our sports, safety, and regulatory expertise. »
With the new regulation in 2026, the FIA should be able to assess the progress of the championship in its ecological approach.
