Regulations for F1’s new era of fully sustainable fuel cars were published earlier this year, and potential entrants were initially given an October 15 deadline to register.
While new entrant Audi was the first to do so, many current manufacturers blocked the plan and it led to an agreement to delay the deadline – originally until November 15, but it was later canceled.
The case cannot drag on any longer as F1 2026 engine manufacturers must comply with a new power unit cost cap which will come into effect on January 1, 2023.
The delay in boarding everyone has raised concerns that F1 could see some of its current entrants choose not to continue, but Ben Sulayem thinks there is nothing serious to worry about.
He says the recent delays were purely caused by teams needing to seek legal clarification on specific wordings before they could commit, while larger issues involving rules had been resolved.
“There was a small problem with the compression ratio and the boost pressure, but that was sorted out by the teams,” he said when asked about the delays.
“But honestly, in the beginning when you have someone new [like Audi]the old ones will always resist it, and they will have a much more powerful means with the FIA to discuss.
Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal, Alfa Romeo Racing, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
Photo by: DPPI
“But once one is signed, then the second and then the third, then you’ll see it’s done.”
Many current F1 teams are confident that the FIA has things under control and will get everyone registered.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said at the Abu Dhabi GP: “There was no formal deadline. I don’t think there’s anything in the regulations that says it has to be the October 15, it was at the discretion of the FIA to decide when that was.
“And we came in, it happened. And now it’s up to the FIA to talk to everyone. Those talks are progressing as far as I know, so we’re on track for 2026.”
Alpine F1 CEO Laurent Rossi said that although Renault had not yet committed, he was sure it would be done quickly.
“We had a few things we wanted to discuss on a legal level, to make sure we covered as much as we could, which we did,” he said.
“We just continued to discuss these points as much as we could. And at some point, when we reach a level in the discussions where we think we are all in a good position, we sign – or we will sign. I think it’s imminent.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner added: “The deadlines have been extended, but there is a huge amount of discussion about the governance and the ranking of certain technical regulations and, of course, financial regulations as well.
“So, as a newcomer for 2026, Red Bull Powertrains has entered.
“It’s an exciting time for the group, for the company, a new challenge to take up, and a lot to do between now and 2026.”
The biggest uncertainty at the moment remains over Ferrari, which has been distracted by the departure of team principal Mattia Binotto, and newcomer Porsche who was considering an F1 entry with Red Bull before talks broke down.
