Domenicali on 2026 engines: 'Louder than current engines'

In 2014, Formula 1 switched to the current engine regulations: a turbocharged V6 hybrid. From 2026, the engine regulations will change after 12 years. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali states that the intention is to make F1 engines louder.

The number of cylinders in F1 engines has steadily decreased over the history of the class. Where 12-cylinder engines were first raced, there are now only six. When F1 switched from V8 engines to current V6 engines in 2014, there were many complaints that the sound was not loud enough from the hybrid engines.

Domenicali on 2026 engines

So from 2026, the engines should start producing more sound again, at least that is the intention. "We need to have a different sound. It’s music for my ears. It’s true that we had the 12 cylinders, it was a different frequency, very loud. And then 10, eight, six – it’s not going down again. The intention is to make sure in the new regulation the engine noise itself will be higher because that’s part of our emotion.  It is really what our fans want to hear and that’s the duty for us to commit to that," Domenicali told Australian radio station 3AW.

No electric motors in F1 for now

The Italian F1 boss also indicated that the sport has no plans to switch to all-electric engines. "I don’t think so. Formula 1 is not electric. As you know, there is another series that has taken that direction. We have taken the direction of using for the future sustainable fuels with hybrid engines. That’s where we believe we’re going to stay for many, many years.”