Ferrari were banned from a recent meeting of Formula 1 power unit suppliers as they had not formally announced their intention to be part of the 2026 rules cycle, RacingNews365.com has learned. A deadline of October 15th for power unit suppliers to register for 2026 was extended to the end of November. By the original deadline, only Audi Formula Racing had entered with Alpine SAS, Honda Racing Corporation, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) and Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) submitting their registrations by the second deadline. Thus the exception was Ferrari SPA, who RacingNews365.com understands had concerns about how RBPT would be treated as a new supplier, having had access to Honda's Intellectual Property. These IP rights were returned unused to Honda by RBPT, after it became clear the companies would go their own ways after 2025, with Honda Racing President Koji Watanabe recently saying HRC's commitment was to ensure it had a seat at the table to discuss the new rules. Incoming power units suppliers are granted various testing and dynamometer concessions, with Ferrari understood to have objected to Red Bull being granted these concessions. When asked by RacingNews365.com about the situation, a Ferrari spokesperson said that the team had "no answer" - but it is believed that Ferrari were denied entry to the meeting on Thursday, 15th December 2022 subject to formal registration. This was subsequently given, it is understood from RacingNews365.com's sources familiar with the situation.
Horner pleased about "diversity"
Speaking exclusively to RacingNews365.com about RBPT and the future of the 2026 regulations, Red Bull boss Christian Horner was optimistic. "It is great, it's so healthy for Formula 1 to have that diversity," he explained with the six manufacturers all now signed up for the new rules. "It is phenomenal to have so much interest and it just shows the strength of the sport that it is attracting that kind of investment and commitment to a combustion engine. It is great news."
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