Domenicali: “Define the 2031 engines now. I would like them lighter, with sustainable fuels and a different thermal-electrical ratio”

F1 plans for the future It’s not just interventions on the present on Stefano Domenicali’s agenda. The F1 president is certainly aware that the 2026 regulations need some tweaking; but, precisely to avoid the mistakes made in recent years, it is necessary to plan a futuristic path well in advance, avoiding proceeding on dead ends. Among the most discussed hypotheses is the reduction – if not elimination – of the hybrid component, entrusting sustainability to synthetic or organic fuels, while the debate remains open on the type of combustion engine, between aspirated, turbo and number of cylinders. We need to start soon, or rather immediately, to have a better F1 in 2031. Domenicali himself is very clear about this, as he hopes for a lighter, simpler and cheaper engine, in the wake of what Mohammed Ben Sulayem had asked for months ago. Domenicali’s words “We cannot waste too much time, because time passes too quickly. We must be solid enough not to find ourselves with our backs against the wall, we must decide as soon as possible”, this is Domenicali’s comment to Autosport. “Of course, we will discuss it together with the FIA. But it is something we have to decide this year. It is obviously up to the Federation to propose it, but personally I see sustainable fuel at the center of the future, with a different balance between electric and a combustion engine. This is motorsport, it will allow us to have lighter cars, capable of pushing hard, and better races. I believe we are going in the direction that should make the purists happier.” The various criticisms of the new regulatory cycle have led F1 to consider bringing the new cycle forward from 2031 to 2030 (in this case a “supermajority” among engine engineers is needed). A hypothesis on which Domenicali remains open but which must take into account the needs of those who have invested to enter F1 with the 2026 regulations: “The cycle will expire at the end of 2030. After that, the FIA could develop a new regulation. We will certainly collaborate with the Federation on this front. Subsequently, it will be a question of understanding whether it is possible to anticipate this evolution. This will be one of the topics we will discuss in the next discussion. At the moment, however, having a manufacturer investing in Formula 1 is something incredible, not obvious, which deserves our total respect. Let the FIA coordinate with its vision of what the right regulation could be to propose to engineers and teams.”