F1 bosses to hold FIA talks over revolutionary rule change

Audi boss Mattia Binotto has confirmed that an IndyCar-style 'Push to Pass' system is being discussed as the new engine regulations take shape. 

F1 is set to return to V8 engines by the start of the next decade, either in 2030 or 2031, with discussions taking place between teams, power unit manufacturers, and the FIA to design the rules, with the 2026 rules first being unveiled in 2022.

Grand prix racing will abandon the turbo hybrid units, although there is some discussion over whether electrical elements should remain in the new engines, and to what extent. 

In 2026, drivers are armed with 'overtake' and 'boost' modes, with overtake replacing the old DRS, whilst 'boost' deploys more power, although drivers cannot currently manage the deployment of energy themselves, with it being controlled through on-board computer algorithms.

As the discussions continue for the framework of the post-2029 rules, Audi chief Binotto confirmed that a 'Push to Pass' style overtaking aid is being considered, with F1 previously using a version of this with KERS between 2009 and 2013.

"Yes, it is on the menu," Binotto confirmed when asked by media, including RacingNews365, if push to pass would feature in discussions over the shape of the future engine regulations.

"Push to pass is important for the racing situation, for overtaking, and making sure that we are not creating trains and no one can overtake. 

"So a push-to-pass will be there. What type of push-to-pass is still to be discussed.

"So there is not a clear way of doing it; there are multiple ways of doing it.

"It can be boost pressure, it can be DRS, it can be KERS, so electrical, so the way we will do it will be part of the discussions with the FIA."

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Binotto declares Audi stance

Binotto then went into detail as he discussed Audi's stance on what the V8 regulations would look like.

The team was enticed into grand prix racing for the first time by the 2026 rules, and spent heavily to design the current iteration of the V6 turbo hybrids, which will be consigned to history. 

Binotto signalled that Audi would be in favour of the change to V8 equipment.

"There is no clarity yet, so we know that the FIA is still elaborating on what maybe the concepts they would like to propose," said Binotto. 

"We know it's a V8 for 2030 at the earliest, but the timing is uncertain.

"Development has to start before the end of the year. I think the regulation needs to be agreed and voted on before the end of the year to have certainty and clarity on by 2027 to start the design and concept phase. 

"What's the main objective we are looking at? I think we are we all agree. First, there will be significant cost savings required. The current power unit is still very expensive, and we believe that having a clear target on cost would be important when considering the format of the V8 itself. 

"We believe that we still need to retain some advanced technologies. I think that F1 has always been the edge of a platform for innovation ahead of technology, and we believe whatever will be the overall format, it has to remain a platform for innovation for all the manufacturers. 

"So yes, we welcome the V8, welcome a better sound, we welcome cost saving, but when it comes to the details of hybrid, I would say yes, turbo, possibly yes, but all the details, I think exactly need to be discussed with the FIA. 

"That's why I think that discussion will start very soon. As Audi, we are very open, very collaborative, and I'm pretty sure that together with the FIA, we will find the right compromise."