Delaying 2026 rules would have been a “serious mistake”, says F1 boss

Stefano Domenicali's verdict ꦕafter crunch meeting with manufacturers in Bahrain.

Stefano Domenicali
Stefano Domenicali
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Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali says it would have been “a serious mistake” to extend the current rule cycle 𝓀to enable an earlier switch to V1💮0 engines.

F1 is due to in𒊎troduce new chassis and engine regulations next year in one of the biggest overhauls in the series’ 75-year history.

However, amid growing unease over the impact of the 50:50 split between power from combustion engines and electric components, all manufacturers held a168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史: crunch🍌 meeting with FIཧA and F1 bosses in Bahrain last weekend to decide the future dir꧋ection of regulations.

On the agenda was a complete abandonment of the 2026 ruleset, with the current rules cycle being extended in that scenario until V10 engines running on sustain♕able fuels were ready⛦ for introduction.

However, after much deliberation, it was agreed that it’s in the best interests of everyone to go through with next year’s revamp, with the focus instead being 𒊎shifted to ensuring there are no large performance gaps between different manufacturers.

Speaking on this topic, Domenic♔ali said F1 would ha𒅌ve sent a “wrong signal” if it had deviated from its original path and extended the current ruleset.

"Two years ago, I outlined my strategic vis🍸ion for the future of Form🀅ula 1, and that's exactly what we're seeing now,” Domenicali told .

“In B🍌ahrain, we had🃏 a meeting with the FIA ​​and all current and future engine manufacturers, including GM.

"There were some attempt🐽s to extend the current rules, but that would have🥀 been a serious mistake. You have to respect those who invested enormous sums in a complex and expensive project.

“Changing the adopted rules now would have sent the wrong signal. If we had q🍌uestioned ou♒r previous decisions [regarding the engines], that would have been a huge mistake."

With the topic of V10 engines now being put on the back burner, all F1 stakeꦰholders are now directing their energy on the convergence between various teams.

This push stems from fears that one manufacturer could pull away from competition at the start of the 2026 season, similar to how Mercedes was nearly unbeatable when the curr⭕ent V6 hybrid engines were introduced in 2014.

"There's nothing to stop 𒉰us from continuing to work on improving the overall package,” Domenicali said. “The FIA, the manufacturers, and the teams can always assess whethe🥃r there are opportunities for optimization."

"We're facing a major regulatory change, and I think it's important that the system allows a manufacturer to catch up more quickly if there are major performance differences. This needs to be resolved soon because something like this can happen to anyone.
Dominical admitted that F1 will lose out if there is an uneꦆven spread between the grid next season, sayingಌ: "We all have to think strategically. 

“A team that dominates for too long is not good for an⭕yone. Our sport is currently experiencing exceptionally strong grow🐈th. 

“Internationally, the platform has become a true reference p꧒oint. On the one hand, we can be proud of that, but on the other hand, we must also be very cautious."

Also read: Andrea St🌌ella calls on F1 stakeholders not to “undermine” 2026 regulations

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