FIA confident over ‘elite’ future with new F1 regulations

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed faith that Formula 1 will maintain an “elite” status with the introduction of its new technical regulations.

The fresh changes that will be introduced in 2026 were publicly unveiled on Thursday ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.

They include major alterations to the power unit as well as the chassis and aerodynamics while also boosting safety and sustainability.

Ben Sulayem, who has acted as the president of the FIA since the end of the 2021 season, hailed the future of F1 under the new rules.

“Following the publication of 2026 power unit regulations two years ago we have taken the opportunity to redefine the chassis regulations to match the energy requirement of the new power units. 

“Collaborating with our partners at Formula 1 and with the assistance of the sport’s 10 teams and all our stakeholders this represents a unique revision that will ensure our premier championship is even more relevant to what is happening in the world.

“The key features of the 2026 F1 Regulations are advanced, sustainability technology and safety.

“Our aim, together with Formula 1, was to produce a car that was right for the future of the sport’s elite category. We believe we have achieved that goal.”

'Huge opportunity for automotive industry'

F1 is confident that its new sustainable fuel and the altered power unit will open possibilities to the wider automotive industry.

The sport's CEO Stefano Domenicali outlined his hopes that F1 can have worldwide while also acknowledging the impact it is set to have on the race track.

“These regulations mark a significant moment in the future of our sport as we look forward to a new generation of car and power unit that aims to give our fans closer and exciting racing,” Domenicali said. 

“The new sustainably fuelled hybrid power unit presents a huge opportunity for the global automotive industry, the drop in fuel has the potential to be used by cars around the world and dramatically cut emissions. 

“Its potential is one of the key reasons why we will have a record number of engine suppliers in Formula 1 in 2026.

“We enter this new regulatory cycle with the sport in the strongest position it has ever been, and I am confident that the work done by the FIA to create these regulations will further strengthen the position of the sport around the world.”