Formula 1 is set to go through massive changes in the coming years. The whole world is at a crossroads over which engines are better combustion or electric engines and so is the Formula 1 community.
F1 is upgrading to the new power units in 2026. The new designs will look to focus more on the electrification elements of the machines and on increasing the Horsepower by sustaining the fuel and also reducing production costs. Less production cost is attracting big OEMs to lay out money on these engines.
Six engine manufacturers are registered for the start of the next power unit rules cycle in Formula 1, which begins in 2026 and will run until the end of the 2030 season. The current F1 roster has 6 members Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda, Audi, Alpine (Renault), and Ford-aided Red Bull powertrains program. There are also rumors of a seventh manufacturer joining the roster. F1’s road relevancy is dependent on Ford’s participation, which is the sole provider for the electrification aspects of Red Bull’s powertrain operation.
Are electric engines the future of Formula 1?
The main problem Formula 1 could be facing after this 2026 rule set is the threat of Formula E taking over. Formula E has failed to become as much of a success as it was expected to. It was eyeing to replace Formula 1 but in reality, it is nowhere near F1’s popularity and is even behind a paywall in the majority of territories. Formula E had a lot of problems like the Cars didn’t have enough battery charge to finish the races, the drivers had to change cars midways.
But things are changing and Formula E is looking to revive itself. It has introduced better and faster charging with Cars that are capable of finishing the race. Formula E is building actual purpose-built circuits and remodeling their project as a whole
“Today we can make an electric motor that can beat an F1 engine in acceleration”- Sylvain Filippi opens up on Formula 1 engines
Speaking in Forbes, Sylvain Filippi, Managing Director and CTO of the Envision Virgin Racing Formula E Team, believes it will be “game over” for F1 in the near future.
“It’s all about the downforce,” he says. “Today we can make an electric motor that can beat a F1 engine in acceleration, and even deliver the same high speeds.
“However, so much of lap times come from downforce. Formula E also runs tires that are half road, half racing. The weight is the same already, and with the same aero and grip it would be similarly quick.”
Only time will tell which way the tide will go, whether the 2026 rules increase Formula 1’s popularity or pave the way for Formula E to take the stage.
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