Rumor: 2026 F1 engine rules will have equalization method

Rumor has it that a new rule will be introduced in the next F1 engine regulation change from 2026 to allow inferior engines to catch up.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Supposedly, the FIA will be able to grant additional development to teams who have over 3% less power than the most powerful engine.

#10 Pierre Gasly, (FRA) Alpine F1 Team during the Hungarian GP, Budapest 20-23 July 2023 at the Hungaroring, Formula 1 World championship 2023.

This comes after Alpine brought up the topic of engine equalization during the F1 commission meeting last week, but were turned down for any immediate help for their inferior engine, said to be down 30 hp.

Although no official announcements have been made. It is rumored that the performance of each power unit will be monitored for the first five races of every season from 2026 to 2030.

If an engine builder is behind the most powerful engine by 3% then they will be given additional time on the test benches to improve their engine.

It will be similar to how the Aero development time is awarded based on the constructor’s standings.