As Formula 1 has just begun its new regulatory cycle, discussions about the next generation of single-seaters are already well advanced. Stefano Domenicali notably wants lighter cars and simpler rules.
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Formula 1 has profoundly changed its face in 2026 with the simultaneous introduction of new regulations concerning chassis and power units.
But in a championship where manufacturers must plan their investments several years in advance, reflections on the next generation of single-seaters have already begun.
The next major regulatory change should occur in 2030 or 2031. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem notably mentioned the possibility of a return to V8 engines.
While the FIA retains the final say regarding technical regulations, discussions also involve F1, the teams, engine manufacturers, and drivers.
For Stefano Domenicali, the main challenge is precisely not to rush these decisions.
Domenicali wants to allow enough time for debate
The head of Formula 1 considers it essential to allow all concerned parties to confront their different visions before definitively deciding the direction of the next regulations.
“For me, the most important thing is that we have the necessary time to debate”, explains Stefano Domenicali.
“As we know, the FIA has the final say regarding technical regulations, but the discussions we have together, also involving manufacturers, fans, teams, and drivers, are, in my opinion, going in the right direction.”
Domenicali also recalls that the perception of a regulation can evolve quickly. The rules introduced in 2026 had sparked many criticisms even before their entry into force.
“It’s incredible to see how much things can change from one month to another. I remember that at the beginning of this regulatory change, there was a kind of negativity circle with great concerns, but that has now considerably evolved.”
Simpler and especially lighter F1 cars
While the details are still to be defined, Domenicali already has a fairly clear vision of the main directions he wants to prioritize.
One of the priorities concerns the weight of the single-seaters, which has become a recurring topic in recent years.
“I think the main goal of the future regulations is to keep things as simple as possible and to bring to Formula 1 lighter cars, using sustainable fuel and, of course, electrification.”
The Italian leader also wants to respond to a request regularly made by drivers: to be able to exploit more the performance of their car without constantly being constrained by energy management.
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“Above all, the driver must retain the possibility, in certain modes, to attack as hard as he can, because that is something F1 drivers have always asked for.”
A particularly significant statement as several drivers have criticized this season the energy management imposed by the new power units.
A first framework expected before the end of the year
Domenicali leaves it to the FIA to determine the technical solutions to achieve these objectives.
However, he wants the main lines of the next regulations to be established quickly to give manufacturers enough visibility.
“For all other technical considerations, I count on the FIA to prepare the right solution and I think that by the end of the year, we will be able to have a set of rules ready to be discussed.”
The timeline is a particularly important issue for engine manufacturers. The engine regulations introduced in 2026 were thus presented several years before their entry into force to allow manufacturers to prepare their programs.
Finding a consensus between FIA, teams, and manufacturers
One essential question remains: should we wait for the natural end of the current regulatory cycle or anticipate the change if enough stakeholders agree on a new direction?
Domenicali clearly favors the second solution provided a consensus can be found.
“If there is a consensus to anticipate what we are doing, governance will have to be found with the teams and manufacturers. That is another possibility that will be on the table among all of us before the end of the season.”
The interests of the different parties naturally sometimes conflict, each manufacturer notably seeking to defend its investments and technological choices.
Domenicali remains optimistic about the possibility of quickly defining a common direction.
“There are currently many good discussions. Obviously, there are many different points of view and everyone pushes in one direction for different reasons. But by the end of the year, we should be able to have the right set of rules for the future.”
While the details of the next generation of F1 remain largely open, several principles are beginning to emerge: lighter single-seaters, simplified regulations, sustainable fuels, and more freedom to allow drivers to fully attack.
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