The Future of Formula 1: Unpacking the Biggest Rules Change in History

Formula 1 (F1) is on the verge of a groundbreaking shift that will redefine the sport as we know it. In 2026, the sport will undergo its most significant rules overhaul in history, bringing in new cars and engines designed to align F1 with the future of motorsport and sustainable automotive technology. With this monumental change, F1 is not only transforming the way the sport is played but also how it can lead the charge in sustainability within the global motorsport community. We sat down with F1 boss Stefano Domenicali to address the most pressing questions regarding the upcoming changes and what fans can expect from the championship’s future.

The Push for Sustainable V8 Engines

One of the most eagerly anticipated changes is the introduction of new engines for the 2026 season. Formula 1 is transitioning away from its current turbo-hybrid engines in favor of a more sustainable approach that still retains the thrill of high-performance racing. While F1 has long been committed to developing greener technologies, Domenicali has acknowledged the widespread desire for a move to V8 engines, powered by sustainable fuels. In a poll conducted by F1’s YouTube community, a staggering 86% of respondents favored V8s or even V10s over the current hybrid systems. The shift toward V8s, which were used in F1 from 2006 to 2013, reflects a broader consensus that the current turbo-hybrid systems are both expensive and overly complex.

However, Domenicali made it clear that this shift would be contingent on two important factors. Firstly, the engines must run entirely on sustainable fuel—a critical component of F1’s long-term environmental goals. This move is expected to lead a technical revolution, pushing F1 to the forefront of sustainable technology in motorsport. Secondly, F1 will continue to integrate some form of hybrid technology. Despite the drive for sustainability, hybrid systems remain crucial due to the ongoing relevance of electric power in the broader automotive industry.

Yet, Domenicali stressed that the introduction of V8 engines will not be immediate. The focus remains on refining the 2026 power unit regulations, which will be a hybrid system that introduces a new generation of engines. Whether this new system will succeed or fail will determine how quickly F1 could move away from the turbo-hybrid format, with 2029 or 2030 earmarked as potential timelines for a transition, depending on the success of the 2026 power units.

Reducing Costs and Streamlining Components

Alongside the new engines, another significant change is the ongoing efforts to reduce costs in F1. Despite the introduction of a cost cap, teams are still looking for ways to lower spending while maintaining competitiveness. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently proposed the idea of standardizing certain components, such as gearboxes and fuel systems, to drive down costs and reduce the overall weight of the cars.

Domenicali supports this approach, suggesting that simplifying non-performance-related components will allow teams to focus more on the aspects of their cars that directly affect performance. Gearboxes, once a crucial element in determining lap times, have become a standard part of F1’s engineering, with all teams now able to produce them at a similarly high level. Even components like batteries, which some teams view as a potential performance advantage, could be standardized in the future, helping to level the playing field while also advancing F1’s sustainability goals.

The Impact of the 2026 Rule Changes on Racing Performance

As the 2026 season draws closer, excitement and trepidation are building around the potential impact of the new regulations on racing performance. There has been much speculation about how the new cars and engines will affect the on-track action. Concerns have been raised about the cars running out of battery power during races, or needing to engage in complex strategies to harvest energy. However, the FIA has worked closely with teams to address these issues, and Domenicali is optimistic that these early fears will be resolved.

He acknowledged that, while there may be some initial challenges with the 2026 cars, the key is patience. Domenicali believes that by the time the season kicks off in Australia, any issues that arise will have been sorted out. Furthermore, he noted that the true impact of the changes will not be clear until later in the season, as teams will continue to refine their cars and strategies. The early stages of the 2026 season will likely be filled with uncertainties, but by the Abu Dhabi season finale, Domenicali expects the racing to have evolved significantly, providing fans with an entirely new experience.

The Future of Hydrogen in F1

As the automotive industry continues to experiment with hydrogen-powered vehicles, there has been speculation about whether hydrogen engines could become a part of F1’s future. Hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize both motorsport and road vehicles, with several manufacturers already investing heavily in hydrogen technology. While Domenicali recognizes the promise of hydrogen, he also stresses the need for realism in assessing its viability for F1 in the short term.

At present, hydrogen technology is not yet ready for the demanding environment of F1 racing. The FIA’s Extreme E off-road series, which is experimenting with hydrogen-powered vehicles, is still in the testing phase, and it is unlikely that hydrogen-powered cars will be seen in major motorsport events for at least another decade. Despite this, Domenicali suggests that F1 should remain open to the possibility of hydrogen in the long term, but the sport is not rushing to incorporate hydrogen engines anytime soon.

The Evolution of Sprint Races

Sprint races have become a fixture of the F1 calendar, with several events now incorporating shorter, high-intensity races alongside the traditional Grand Prix format. Domenicali has hinted that the number of sprint races could increase in the coming years, with the potential introduction of a reversed grid format being discussed. While the reverse grid is already used in F1’s feeder series, Formula 2 and Formula 3, its application in F1 would be a significant departure from the current format.

The reverse grid format could help inject even more excitement into sprint races by reshuffling the grid and providing opportunities for less competitive teams to make a bigger impact. However, Domenicali recognizes that implementing such a format is not without its challenges. One potential issue is how the grid would be reversed, considering that a separate qualifying session already exists for sprint races. Domenicali remains confident, however, that experimentation is essential for keeping F1 fresh and engaging for both fans and teams alike.

The Future Calendar: More Races on the Horizon?

F1’s growing popularity worldwide has led to an increasing number of countries eager to host races, leading to discussions about the optimal number of races in a season. While F1 currently hosts 22 races, there are proposals to expand the calendar further. Domenicali aligns with those who favor a calendar of 22 to 24 races, which strikes a balance between commercial success, fan engagement, and team sustainability.

With a packed calendar, F1 is better able to compete for viewers with other major sports like football and baseball. Domenicali is confident that, despite the logistical challenges, F1 will continue to grow and evolve, with more races scheduled to meet the demand of both fans and promoters.

Conclusion

As Formula 1 prepares for the biggest change in its history, it is clear that the sport is looking to the future with a blend of innovation, sustainability, and excitement. The transition to more sustainable V8 engines, the potential increase in sprint races, and the continuing efforts to refine the calendar all point to a thrilling future for F1. While challenges remain, the ongoing dialogue between teams, drivers, and the governing bodies shows a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in motorsport. Fans can expect 2026 to be just the beginning of an exciting new era in Formula 1.