F1 'needs to decide' on the next engine regulations this year – Stefano Domenicali

Responding to the idea to bring forward the new formula by one year to 2030, which would require a supermajority among the power unit manufacturers according to the current governance agreements, Domenicali said the series must first respect the significant investments made by the current crop of OEMs.

"In this moment, to have a manufacturer that invests in Formula 1 is something incredible, which deserves our total respect," he said. "Because in this context, you don't want to take that for granted. And let the FIA coordinate with their vision of what could be the right set of regulations that can be proposed to the manufacturer and to the teams.

"The regulations, in terms of governance, are expiring at the end of 2030. The agreement is part in that. After that, there is the possibility for the FIA to produce a set of regulations. We're going to be together on that with the FIA, for sure. And after that, it is a matter of understanding if there is the possibility to eventually anticipate it or not. That's something that will be part of the discussion we're going to have now."

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There is a growing consensus in the F1 paddock that a return to a similar kind of engine formula to the pre-2014 era, with more cylinders and a simplified hybrid component, looks the most likely avenue for 2031 and beyond. A key factor is OEMs and governments, including the European Union, adjusting course from their aggressive pivot towards electric vehicles in recent years. That course correction is aided by the arrival of advanced sustainable fuel, which F1 has introduced this year.

Domenicali backs the FIA's vision to make F1 cars much lighter and less complex, which should have a positive impact on both the racing spectacle, the drivers' enjoyment and the costs involved for the manufacturers.

"I definitely see personally – but it's up, of course, to the FIA to propose that – a sort of sustainable fuel for sure at the centre of the future, with a different balance of what could be the electrification with a strong internal combustion engine," the Italian said.

"Because that's motorsport. It will allow to save a lot of kilos, to have pure racing in that respect, in terms of a lighter car, smaller cars that you can really push as much as you can. So that's going in the direction, I believe, that the purists should be happier.

"In terms of the racing itself, with some adjustment, it is great on the track. Don't misunderstand me on that. But the car is still very heavy. The battery has [introduced] a lot of things that have to be considered when you design a car. So, these are the things that we need to process and to react to."

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