F1 power units an "urgent matter" for new FIA president

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has described locking in F1's 2026 power unit regulations as an "urgent matter" for recently elected FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Although F1 will race to an all-new set of aerodynamic regulations this year, it is not until 2026 that the sport is set to usher in a new power unit era.

Given the lead time in creating new specification power units, however, and with manufacturers including the Volkswagen Group considering joining the grid at this point, decisions on a future direction cannot be allowed to drag on.

"I'm already in touch with him," said Binotto, speaking in an end-of-season interview. "I was in touch before the elections, no doubt, and I'm already in touch with him for what's next and what are the most urgent matters for F1.

"I see that on the urgent matters, [the] power unit [for] 2026 can be one of the subjects."

The FIA has already laid down a basic framework for the new power units and has confirmed the current 1.6 litre V6 engine will remain but with increased electrical power [350kW].

A power unit cost cap will be introduced in order to tackle the constantly rising financial commitments required from manufacturers whilst the MGU-H will be removed entirely.

"I'm very happy to cooperate with him," added Binotto. "I myself am part of the World Council. As an F1 commission delegate, as Ferrari, [that] means I'm there."

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