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FIA and Formula 1 Discuss 2026 Engine Regulations and Grass Fire Solutions
In a recent meeting of the F1 Commission held in Geneva, officials from the FIA, Formula 1, and team representatives explored the 2026 engine regulations, focusing on mechanisms to assist trailing manufacturers in making up lost ground. This discussion comes in light of concerns stemming from the past incidents during races, particularly the grass fire episodes at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The upcoming engine regulations were a central topic at the meeting as the 2026 season approaches, with many stakeholders expressing a desire to prevent a scenario similar to 2014, when Mercedes gained a significant advantage over their rivals. Previously, it took several seasons for manufacturers like Honda, who joined the grid in 2015, to catch up to the performance levels set by competitors.
The introduction of a budget cap for engine programs next season poses additional challenges for those teams that fall behind, making discussions around various catch-up mechanisms necessary. Sources indicate that a consensus has emerged, allowing manufacturers that trail to utilize extra dyno hours and a higher budget cap for engine development. Importantly, the assessment of which teams are considered behind will focus solely on power unit performance rather than overall team competitiveness.
Another critical issue raised during the meeting was the significant electric component of next year’s power units. There is growing concern that cars may need to drastically reduce speed on straights when battery power is depleted. This topic generated mixed responses during discussions at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Mercedes F1 chief Toto Wolff dismissed the proposal as a “joke,” while Red Bull’s Christian Horner advocated for its consideration, highlighting the ongoing debate regarding how to balance performance and energy management in race conditions. A compromise could involve adjusting energy deployment rates specifically on long-straight tracks, such as Monza.
Representatives from various teams acknowledge that they remain divided on what constitutes an acceptable adjustment and further discussions are necessary to explore potential compromises. The power unit advisory committee will examine any proposed engine changes in greater detail moving forward.
The FIA issued a statement confirming that the F1 Commission discussed refining energy management strategies for the 2026 season and addressing financial challenges faced by power unit manufacturers struggling with performance or reliability.
Additionally, the Commission addressed the recent incidents at the Japanese Grand Prix, where the emission of sparks from cars ignited grass, leading to repeated interruptions during practice and qualifying. The FIA plans to investigate alternative skid materials, including a potential switch from titanium to stainless steel to mitigate fire risks on circuits with grass run-offs. While this change might impact the weight and durability of the skid plates, further discussions will determine its feasibility.
Other administrative discussions included modifications to enforce mandatory two-stop strategies for the Monaco Grand Prix and adjustments to the capital expenditure allowances for new entrants, notably with Cadillac joining the grid next year.
Source
www.autosport.com