We’re not even a full year into the new regulations, and Formula 1 is already thinking hard about its next iteration, set to be introduced as early as the start of 2030.
The current rules were finalized several years ago, when optimism about electrification among automakers was high. F1 wanted more of those automakers, and automakers wanted more electrification. The sport would give it to them with a near 50:50 split between a small 1.6 L V6 turbo and an electric motor, both driving the rear wheels.
Audi, Cadillac, and Ford have all signed up since, joining Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda, which recommitted after pulling out in 2021.
Even the shortest lap time recorded in 2026, during qualifying in Austria, took George Russell 1 minute and 6.113 seconds from start to finish. Even allowing for regenerating energy under braking, many of F1’s most classic venues lack enough brake zones to recharge more than a fraction of the energy demand of an entire lap.
Next year, the V6 is being turned up to 563 hp, while the electric motor will be turned down from 469 hp to 402 hp, except in boost mode. In 2028, the power units will be rebalanced again to achieve a 60:40 split.
Instead of 1.6 L V6 turbos, the engines will be 3.0 L V8s, still with turbochargers.
The agreement says the new power units should be at least 110 lbs lighter than the current 408-lb minimum, which includes the internal combustion engine, electric motor-generator unit, turbocharger, battery pack, control electronics, and exhausts.