Overview
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the body can mandate V8-based hybrid power units in 2031 and will push for a 2030 start if at least four of the six current engine makers agree.
- Ben Sulayem detailed goals for the new units, including roughly 10–20% electric power, a combustion engine near 2.6–3.0 liters, and revs held around 15,500–16,000 rpm to keep noise and costs in check.
- Drivers report the core 2026 problem remains despite Miami tweaks, saying faster cornering drains battery charge and leaves them slower on the next straight, which forces counter‑intuitive, slower corner approaches.
- FIA, F1, teams, and manufacturers are reviewing the Miami rule refinements, while McLaren urges near‑term hardware shifts such as higher fuel flow and stronger energy harvesting with a two‑year window to finalize changes.
- Manufacturers face a tough call after heavy 2026 hybrid spending, with Audi’s Mattia Binotto defending the current format and Ferrari’s Benedetto Vigna confirming ongoing talks with the FIA about future engine rules.