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Formula 1 outlines plans for 100% sustainable fuel
Fuel derived from carbon capture schemes, municipal waste or non-food biomass aim to reduce F1 emissions
FIA confirms 2026 F1 engine rules paving way for Porsche and Audi
F1
The FIA has confirmed the 2026 engine regulations, as well as changes to F1 car floor design in a bid to tackle porpoising
Agreeing the new engine rules has been a long and arduous process for FIA and F1
Darren Heath/Getty Images
The FIA has approved the long-expected 2026 Formula 1 engine regulations, making the changes which were believed to be a pre-requisite of Audi and Porsche joining the championship.
The governing body set out its vision for the new rules in four “key” pillars of “maintaining the spectacle, environmental sustainability, financial sustainability and attractive to new power unit manufacturers.”
In line with the final point, the governing body has made the decision to drop the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat) – as requested by the two VW brands – but carry over with the 1.6-litre V6 combustion unit.
F1 will use fully sustainable fuel from 2026 to further decrease the championship’s environmental impact, another point pushed by car manufacturers and in line with the series’ aim to be net carbon zero by 2030.
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“The FIA continues to push forward on innovation and sustainability – across our entire motor sport portfolio – the 2026 Formula 1 Power Unit Regulations are the most high-profile example of that mission,” said FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“The introduction of advanced PU technology along with synthetic sustainable fuels aligns with our objective of delivering benefits for road car users and meeting our objective of net zero carbon by 2030. Formula 1 is currently enjoying immense growth and we are confident these regulations will build on the excitement our 2022 changes have produced.”
The FIA has also finalised the new rules around car floors in a bid to curb porpoising. Some voices from the F1 grid, led by Mercedes, continually pushed concerns over drivers’ wellbeing due to the sharp oscillations suffered by a number of teams, lobbying the rule-makers to enforce changes.
Whilst a limit for the amount of bouncing has already been set by the FIA from Belgium onwards, next year car designs will have to adhere to new regulations.
The car floor must be raised by 15mm compared to this year, whilst the diffuser throat height must also be raised with its edges stiffened compared to this season.
There will also be a sensor on the car floor to monitor porpoising.
The FIA has initiated changes to the roll hoop design too, prompted by Zhou Guanyu’s huge accident at Silverstone earlier this year, when the safety device on his Alfa Romeo failed.
Changes in the roll hoop design have been stipulated to stop it digging into the ground, whilst alterations to its safety tests have been as well, to better monitor the loads it can take.
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