F1 inches towards engine compromise as pressure mounts

Formula 1 appears to be edging towards a compromise on its controversial power unit regulations, but no final agreement has yet been reached.

The F1 Commission met in London on Tuesday, with the FIA confirming only that "minor changes were agreed to aerodynamic and bodywork components".

Behind the scenes, however, discussions about the future of the engines continue to intensify, with further talks expected during this weekend’s Monaco GP.

According to reports in Italy, manufacturers are now discussing a phased compromise under which the target 60:40 split between combustion and electric power would not be fully achieved until 2028.

One proposal would increase combustion-engine output by only around 5 percent initially, avoiding a costly redesign of chassis, engines and gearboxes. A full move to 60:40 would otherwise require roughly a 13 percent increase in combustion power.

Another scenario reportedly still under discussion would see Formula 1 switch to naturally aspirated 2.6-litre V8 engines with a small KERS system as early as 2029.

The manufacturers remain divided.

Mercedes and Red Bull are sticking to their existing positions, Audi and Honda are pushing for compromise, Ferrari remains opposed to changes, while Ferrari-aligned Cadillac is reportedly attempting to help build consensus.

At the same time, momentum behind a future V8 formula continues to grow.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is publicly championing the idea, while Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali recently declared himself "1000 percent" in favour of a return to V8 engines.

Many observers believe action is needed if Formula 1 is to avoid further damage to its image.

Auto Motor und Sport veteran Michael Schmidt described the current regulations as fundamentally flawed and "for the bin".

"Let’s be blunt," he said. "The technical regulations are catastrophically poorly written. The 50:50 split between combustion engines and electric power was purely a marketing ploy."

Schmidt argues Formula 1 has already lost the communication battle with fans "if has to explain megajoules instead of horsepower to fans".

"Go out on the street and ask what a megajoule is. Most people have no idea."

The German journalist believes the FIA made a mistake by allowing manufacturers too much influence during the rule-writing process, and "now it is stumbling from one makeshift solution to the next".

"We have to somehow survive this regulation until 2030 and make the best of it," he said.

"I think we’re on the right track at the moment. But we have to get the next set of regulations really right."