The FIA is reportedly concerned that one of Formula 1’s newest entrants could reconsider its commitment to the sport if a significant rule change is implemented for the 2026 season.
As the sport undergoes a transformation with new regulations set to take effect, the grid will expand to accommodate 11 teams. Among the latest additions is American automotive giant General Motors, which will enter F1 under its Cadillac division. This marks the first new team to join the grid since Haas entered the sport in 2016, and it represents a significant step for the U.S. manufacturer in global motorsport.
While Cadillac has yet to confirm its driver lineup, speculation continues to grow around potential candidates. The American IndyCar Series could serve as a talent pool for the team, with high-profile names such as Colton Herta, Pato O’Ward, and Alex Palou being linked with a possible move to F1. Their experience in high-speed, open-wheel racing could make them viable contenders for a seat in Cadillac’s debut season.
In addition to Cadillac, another new entity will officially appear on the 2026 grid—though with a familiar foundation. German automotive powerhouse Audi is set to take full ownership of the Kick Sauber team, completing its long-anticipated entry into F1. Audi initially announced in August 2022 that it would join the sport as a power unit supplier, but the company later expanded its involvement by acquiring a 100% stake in Sauber as of March 2024.
Since then, Audi has been actively preparing for its debut, assembling an experienced leadership team to oversee operations. Former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley has been appointed as team principal, while ex-Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto has taken on the dual role of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer. The German manufacturer has been vocal about its enthusiasm for the new 2026 engine regulations, citing them as a primary reason for entering the sport as a full-fledged constructor.
Under the upcoming regulations, Formula 1 will introduce power units with increased battery deployment and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels. Additionally, the sport will shift away from the traditional Drag Reduction System (DRS), replacing it with a new mechanism that provides drivers with an instantaneous power boost. This system closely mirrors the push-to-pass function currently used in IndyCar, allowing drivers to gain a short burst of speed within one second of another car in front. Furthermore, the MGU-K (the kinetic energy recovery system) will be removed as part of the overhaul.
However, recent discussions among F1 stakeholders have raised the possibility of a dramatic shift in direction. Reports suggest that F1 could reconsider its current engine plans and instead reintroduce the high-revving V10 engines that were last used in the 2005 season. These engines, known for their thunderous sound and raw power, have remained a favorite among fans despite the sport’s transition to more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains.
While the FIA has yet to officially comment on the speculation, concerns have emerged regarding how such a change could impact teams that have already invested heavily in the planned 2026 regulations. FIA single-seater technical director Nikolas Tombazis has acknowledged the complexity of the situation, particularly with manufacturers like Audi having based their F1 entry on the upcoming rule changes.
Speaking to RacingNews365, Tombazis expressed caution about any sudden regulatory reversals, stating, “I don’t want to pre-judge that, because we are still in discussions. We are still in discussions with power unit manufacturers over the next few weeks, and so therefore I wouldn’t like to prejudice it.”
He emphasized that the FIA takes pride in attracting Audi to the sport and does not want to jeopardize its commitment. Additionally, he pointed out that the governing body played a crucial role in convincing Honda to reconsider its F1 exit and ultimately extend its participation in the championship.
“We are very proud to have brought Audi to the sport, and we fully respect that and don’t want them to reverse their decision. We are also very proud to have made Honda reconsider leaving the sport and come back, so anything we do is a complex balance between these factors,” he added.
As discussions continue behind the scenes, F1 finds itself at a crossroads. The prospect of bringing back the iconic V10 engines would undoubtedly excite many fans, but it could also disrupt the carefully laid plans of manufacturers who have committed to a more sustainable future. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether F1 stays on course with its hybrid vision or pivots toward a return to its roaring past.
FIA ‘worried’ F1 team could quit the sport if major rule change is approved
