In the last few hours, a sensational rumor has surfaced, suggesting that Formula 1 might freeze the current regulations until 2028.
Yesterday, a shocking rumor spread, according to which the FIA and Liberty Media are considering freezing the current regulations to make room for the return of the V10 engines starting in 2028. If confirmed, this would be a crazy move, especially since many teams (if not all) are already working towards the new regulation changes set to take place next season.
The possible reconsideration by the FIA seems to stem from difficulties in preparing the cars to comply with the new regulations, starting with the Power Unit, which is a key component of modern Formula 1. But that’s not all, as the call for the return of the V10 engines is becoming louder. Ben Sulayem, in interviews from the past few weeks, has made no secret of his desire to hear that roar again, which used to distinguish an F1 car.
The rumors began circulating after the pre-season tests in Bahrain, with many teams reporting difficulties in adapting to the new type of 50/50 Power Unit, which consumes a lot of the car’s power, compromising races and even entire championships. Domenicali himself had suggested the possibility of returning to the V10 only in 2030, but due to these challenges, it seems likely that something could change.
Of course, the FIA must consider all eleven participating teams (including Cadillac), and not all of them share the same opinion. The first team to oppose, in fact, is Mercedes, which, according to early rumors, is significantly ahead of the competition in the design and development of the 2026 cars. Audi and Honda are also supporting the German team, as they are reportedly already far along in their Power Unit development.
According to sources close to Mercedes, the team has already invested half a billion euros in the 2026 project and is unlikely to change its stance on a potential freeze of the regulations. On the other hand, Ferrari and Red Bull might oppose the idea, as Ferrari is on the rise (after a strong finish to the 2024 season), while the Austrian team might lean towards freezing the regulations, since they will have to develop their own engine. Cadillac is also on board, as they will be using Ferrari’s Power Unit for the first two seasons.
The FIA is listening to many opinions, and according to reports from AMuS, the new 2026 regulations could be in place for just three years instead of five, as initially stated in the FIA’s statutes. A regulatory cycle doesn’t necessarily have to last five years, and three years could be the minimum guaranteed. Such a decision could also benefit Mercedes, with the much-desired return of the V10 starting in 2029.
