Formula 1 is heading into a new technical era, and, along the way, the FIA made its stance clear: there will be no return to the engine formulas used in previous cycles. The federation dismissed the possibility of going back to the power units that defined the hybrid period that began in 2014 and confirmed that the direction will remain focused on the regulations set for 2026.

For months, different sectors of the paddock had raised debates about technical alternatives for the future, including the idea of bringing back components or concepts from earlier eras. However, the FIA stated that the championship already has everything it needs to move forward with the current regulatory package, without the need to step backward.

The hybrid engine era that dominated the last decade was based on 1.6-liter turbo V6 units combined with complex electrical systems. That phase transformed the category both in terms of efficiency and technological development, but it also created major gaps between manufacturers, with long periods of dominance by certain teams.

With the 2026 regulations, Formula 1 will keep the V6 engine base but will introduce significant changes. One of the main ones will be the removal of the MGU-H, a costly and difficult component to develop, along with a greater role for electric energy in the car’s overall performance.

The new generation will also be accompanied by the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels, one of the championship’s key bets to align with environmental goals and attract new manufacturers interested in technologies applicable to the global automotive industry.

Another key point of the new regulations is the attempt to reduce complexity and improve competitiveness. To achieve this, the FIA has implemented mechanisms aimed at balancing development among engine suppliers, preventing an early technical advantage from turning into prolonged dominance as happened in the past.

In this context, the decision to rule out a return to previous engines serves as a direct message: Formula 1 does not plan to rethink the path already laid out, but rather to consolidate a transition toward a simpler, more sustainable, and more competitive model.

The category is thus preparing for one of the most important changes of recent years, with the goal of making 2026 the start of a new technical cycle without resorting to formulas from the past.

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