Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed the sport’s approach to the next set of technical regulations, due to start in 2030 or 2031.
Although F1 is just 11 races into its latest technical regulations, speculation has already shifted to the next set of rules, which will start at the turn of the next decade.
The 2026 rules have proven somewhat divisive, with some drivers and fans not happy with the near 50:50 split between electrical and combustion power.
This has led to speculation that V8 power could be a central feature of the new regulations, as appetite begins to shift away from the V6 hybrids that have been in use since 2014.
Domenicali has made clear that healthy debate will be encouraged as part of the process to refine the next ruleset.
“I think that for me, the most important thing is that there is the right time to debate,” Domenicali told media, citing that negativity over the existing regulations is beginning to subside.
“As we know, the FIA has the final call on the technical regulations, but the discussion we are having together, also involving manufacturers, fans, teams, and drivers, I think is in the right spot.
“It is incredible how things can change from month to month. I remember at the beginning of this change of regulation, there was maybe a circle of negativity with the big worries, but now this has shifted quite significantly.
“This is the evolution or the nature of our sport: to always try to find problems at the beginning instead of thinking about the opportunity that change can bring.
Domenicali confirms main target for new F1 regulations
Domenicali did confirm, however, that he has one main target for the new ruleset, on a topic that has gained traction in F1’s fanbase in recent seasons.
“I think that the main target of the future regulation is to keep the things as simple as possible, to bring to Formula 1, lighter cars with a sustainable fuel, with of course electrification, and keep the chance for the driver, above all, in certain modes to push as hard as they can, because that has been always one thing that they have requested as F1 drivers.
“All the other technicalities, I will rely on the FIA to prepare the right thing, and I do believe that by the end of this year, we’re going to be in a position to have a package ready to be discussed, because there are two options.
“If we wait until the end of the cycle to be finished, in 2031, there’s nothing that prevents the FIA from presenting a totally different regulation, and of course, if the teams want to be part of it, they can; otherwise, not. I’m exaggerating, but you understand the principle.
“If there is a consensus on what we are doing to anticipate it, there is a need to find the governance in place with the teams, with the manufacturers, and therefore that’s another opportunity that I think will be on the table between all of us before the end of the season.
“So I think there are a lot of good talks going ahead now. There are a lot of, as you can imagine, different angles that everyone is pushing for different reasons. But by the end of the year, we’re going to be in a position to have the right package for the future.”
In a sport that never sleeps, it is already discussing rules that are more than five years away from being introduced. What is clear, however, is that all parties want a set of regulations that proves less divisive.
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