F1 to discuss late changes to 2026 power unit regulations

F1 is set to discuss making late refinements to the power unit regulations that are to be introduced next year.

The future of F1's engine regulations has been fiercely debated in recent weeks, with talk of abandoning the 2026 power units in favour of a return to V10 engines a possibility.

A summit was held ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, where the FIA reaffirmed its commitment to the 2026 power unit rules, but during the Saudi Arabian GP weekend, reports emerged of talks being held between senior figures that could fundamentally change the power output of the 2026 units. 

As it stands, power from the units is to be provided in an equal 50-50 split between the internal combustion engine and the beefed-up electrical systems, which will create 350Kw of energy.

However, in simulations, it has been found that on circuits with long-straights, such as Monza, cars could run out of electrical energy half-way down the straight, leading to drop in horsepower as the engine reverts to only the ICE producing power, and F2 cars potentially being faster when F1 cars are in such a position. 

Talk of reducing the emphasis on the electrical power in the 2026 engines has been raised as a way to reduce such a risk, with a 60-40 split one suggested formula, although Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has expressed his firm dissatisfaction with the proposals, making a quip comparing the agenda for the meeting to 'American politics on Twitter.'

A statement from the FIA outlined the F1 Comission “discussed in principle refinements to the energy management strategy for 2026, as well as measures to address financial issues that can be faced by Power Unit Manufacturers that experience either low performance or significant reliability issues in 2026”. 

It added that “all of these topics will be discussed in more detail among the specialists in the appropriate advisory committees

FIA confirm further changes to sporting regulations

There were also various changes made to the sporting regulations covering the current season.

This includes final amendments that are required in order to introduce a mandatory two-stop strategy at the Monaco Grand Prix next month.

The move comes amid criticism of the spectacle produced by the race in Monaco, with overtaking an extremely difficult task around the narrow streets.

Updates were made to the parc ferme allowances “relating to the situation where a driver elects not to wear the cooling vest” and tighter measures surrounding the delay of freight, which impacted a number of times in China earlier this season.

Additionally, an investigation will get underway to produce an alternative material to steel for the skid blocks following grass fires in Japan.

An alteration has been fabricated into the financial regulations in respect of capital expenditure allowance for new entrants ahead of Cadillac's arrival next year.