World Motor Sport Council approves engine regulations for 2026

It is a decision that was eagerly awaited. The World Motor Sport Council has approved the new technical regulations concerning power units for 2026 in Formula 1, announced the International Automobile Federation. 

The World Motor Sport Council approves F1 2026 Power Unit Regulations and updated 2022-2023 Technical Regulationshttps://t.co/KhmUokLoJV pic.twitter.com/JOwCl3Dq90

- FIA (@fia) August 16

This validation means that the new engine regulations will indeed be applied from the 2026 season of the Formula 1 world championship. It will revolve around four pillars: 

– Maintaining the show: The 2026 power unit will have similar performance to current models, using high-power, high-revving V6 internal combustion engines and avoiding excessive performance differentiation (between teams) to enable greater suitability. the competition.

– Environmental sustainability : Power Unit 2026 will include an increase in the deployment of electric power by up to 50% and will use 100% sustainable fuel.

– Financial viability: Powertrain financial regulations will reduce overall costs for competitors while retaining the cutting-edge technology showcase that is at the heart of Formula 1.

– Attractiveness for new engine manufacturers: the regulations are intended to make it possible for new manufacturers to join the sport at a competitive level.

This could allow the officialization of the arrival of Porsche in Formula 1, who was only waiting for confirmation from the World Council to commit. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The FIA ​​continues to move forward in terms of innovation and sustainability (…) the 2026 Formula 1 engine regulations are the most visible example of this mission. The introduction of advanced technology on power units and sustainable synthetic fuels aligns with our goal of delivering benefits to road users and achieving our goal of net zero carbon by 2030. Formula 1 is currently experiencing immense growth and we are confident that these regulations will build on the excitement generated by our 2022 changes.”

New security measures for 2022 and 2023

In parallel with the announcement concerning the engine regulations for 2026, the FIA ​​also announced a series of measures for the current season and the 2023 season. The objective being to respond to two safety problems: the phenomenon of vertical oscillations ( porpoise) and safety standards for hoops, following the accident of Guanyu-Zhou at Silverstone.

“Starting from the Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA ​​will measure the phenomenon and expect teams to operate below a certain threshold for their car to be considered safe. » In addition, the following measures are approved for 2022 and 2023:

For the 2022 season: 

– Central floor flexibility: changes to redefine the stiffness requirements of the boards and runners around the thickness measurement holes.

For the 2023 season: 

– The edges of the floor will be raised by 15 mm.

– The height of the diffuser throat will be increased, while taking care to avoid any impact on the design of the mechanical components by the teams.

– The rigidity of the edges of the diffuser will be increased.

– An additional sensor will be mandated to monitor the phenomenon more effectively. 

“Safety is absolutely the highest priority for the FIA, and we have devoted significant time and resources to analyzing and resolving the porpoising issue. I have personally discussed this issue with all teams and drivers. Although, of course, there are some differences of opinion due to different competitive positions, it is very clear that the FIA ​​has a duty to take action and ensure that pilots are not exposed to excessive risk of injury due to this phenomenon” reacted Mohammed Ben Sulayem after the announcement of these new measures.

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