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F1 Engine Manufacturers Discuss Future Regulations in Bahrain
The landscape of Formula 1 is set for a significant evolution as power unit manufacturers convened for important discussions regarding future engine regulations. The meeting, held in Bahrain, aimed to address concerns about the impending 2026 hybrid formula and to strategize on preventing a recurrence of the dominance displayed by Mercedes in 2014.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem initiated the discussions, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to express their views on the new regulations. This roundtable included representatives from various teams, notably Audi, Honda, and Cadillac.
Notable attendees included Audi chief Gernot Dollner and Honda’s HRC president Koji Watanabe, who traveled from Japan. Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius participated remotely, highlighting the collaborative effort across the industry.
During the meeting, concerns were raised by Audi and Honda regarding any potential restrictions on the 2026 hybrid rules, which initially attracted them to the sport. With no immediate changes to the engine regulations on the horizon, discussions about reintroducing V10 engines have cooled for the time being.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s team principal, described the meeting as productive, noting the FIA’s initiative to gather insights on what future engine developments should entail. He hinted at the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for a carefully planned trajectory for Formula 1’s ongoing evolution beyond the fixed regulations of 2026.
“While the 2026 plan is set, it’s essential to consider what the sport’s direction should be in the following years,” Horner stated, acknowledging the complexities that lie ahead. He remarked that feedback from power unit manufacturers is crucial for shaping the future, indicating that this dialogue is just the beginning of a longer process.
Aligning on Engine Convergence
Addressing the lessons learned from past regulations, Horner emphasized the importance of reducing performance disparity among teams. The 2014 season served as a reminder of how drastic regulation shifts can lead to significant performance gaps. Discussions in Bahrain included strategies to foster an environment conducive to competition without allowing for another dominant performance by a single manufacturer.
One potential method discussed was allowing manufacturers greater flexibility to modify their designs during the season, diverging from the current practice of homologation and freezing specifications. Horner mentioned the notion of upgrading engines within the confines of the existing budget cap as a means to encourage more rapid convergence in performance among teams.
“Achieving close-quarters racing is our goal, and we must ensure that new entrants have the opportunity to catch up,” Horner concluded. His sentiments reflect a collective desire among manufacturers to maintain competitive balance in a sport that thrives on innovation and rivalry.
The outcomes of this meeting may shape the future of Formula 1, as teams and manufacturers align on critical decisions that will impact the direction of the sport in the coming years.
Source
www.motorsport.com