FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has withdrawn his proposal to alter Formula 1's engine specifications for 2029 after facing significant resistance from manufacturers, BBC Sport can exclusively reveal.

Regulatory Retreat

The motorsport chief abandoned plans to introduce 2.4-litre V8 naturally aspirated engines with limited hybrid assistance following unsuccessful negotiations. A critical meeting scheduled for next week was abruptly canceled when it became clear manufacturers wouldn't reach consensus on the proposed changes.

"The governance structure requires majority manufacturer approval for engine regulation changes - a threshold that couldn't be met," revealed an industry insider.

Technical Disputes

While manufacturers showed openness to V8 engines, key disagreements emerged regarding:

  • Hybrid system power allocation
  • Turbocharger inclusion
  • Implementation timeline

 

Second Regulatory Defeat

This marks Ben Sulayem's second unsuccessful attempt to modify F1's power unit rules within six months. A previous proposal to reintroduce V10 engines was rejected during April's Bahrain Grand Prix meetings, where manufacturers unanimously affirmed their commitment to hybrid technology and sustainable fuels.

2026 Regulations Remain Intact

The current 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid framework will continue through 2030, with upcoming modifications including:

  • Increased hybrid contribution (rising from 20% to 50% of total power)
  • Mandatory sustainable fuel usage

 

Manufacturer Stance

Senior figures from major automotive players including Ford, Honda, Mercedes, and Audi have repeatedly emphasized their dedication to electrified powertrains. Ford CEO Jim Farley stated: "Partial electrification remains crucial for performance evolution."

Future Considerations

Sources indicate Ben Sulayem may revisit regulatory changes for 2031 when current governance agreements expire. However, experts warn that imposing non-hybrid solutions could prompt manufacturer withdrawals from the sport.

Tags:

#Formula 1 #FIA #Engine Regulations #Hybrid Technology #Motorsports Governance