Stefano Domenicali stated that discussions about the future of Formula 1 engines are progressing positively, but emphasized that the final decision on the technical regulations will be in the hands of the FIA.
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The Italian executive was asked about the category’s involvement in meetings discussing possible engine changes, including the possibility of a return to V8s, and said that the dialogue involves different sectors of the championship and has been evolving in the expected direction.
“For me, the most important thing is that there is an appropriate time to discuss this. As we know, the FIA has the final say on technical regulations. But the conversations we are having, which also involve manufacturers, teams, and drivers, are, in my opinion, progressing in the right way,” he said.
The discussion gained momentum after criticism of the current power units, introduced for the 2026 season. The new regulation significantly increased the participation of electric energy in power generation and sparked debates among drivers, teams, and manufacturers about complexity, weight, and car characteristics.
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“It’s amazing how things can change from one month to the next. I remember that, at the beginning of this regulation change, there was perhaps a lot of negativity and great concerns. Now that has changed significantly,” he said.
For Domenicali, this process is part of Formula 1’s own evolution. The Italian argued that the next rules should seek greater simplicity, lighter cars, and the maintenance of sustainable fuels, without completely abandoning electrification. “This is the evolution and character of our sport. At the beginning, we always try to find the problems, instead of looking at the opportunities that changes can offer,” he said.
“I think the main goal of future regulations should be to keep everything as simple as possible, make Formula 1 lighter, with sustainable fuel and, of course, electrification. And, around that, we must give the driver the possibility to accelerate to the maximum under certain conditions. This has always been one of the main desires of Formula 1 drivers,” he concluded.
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