Ferrari refuses to accept 2026 rules until Honda F1’s involvement is cleared up[F1-Gate.com]

Ferrari is yet to commit to staying in F1 once the 2026 F1 technical regulations come into effect, with Red Bull Powertrains maintaining a technical partnership with Honda F1 and introducing hybrid technology eight years ago. As early as 2026, in relation to the budget, development timelines and the capability introduced to allow makers of all-new F1 power units to quickly catch up with those already in the sport. It can also enforce its veto right if it continues to be entitled to the benefits Audi has announced. Ferrari admits it should offer completely new manufacturers like Audi and possibly Porsche benefits such as more budget and dyno time compared to Mercedes and Renault/Alpine. As for Red Bull Powertrains, we believe they will bend the regulations and enter the sport as a new manufacturer from 2026, continuing their technical partnership with Honda and gaining a significant advantage over the three existing manufacturers.

Red Bull and Audi are believed to have made advance commitments to enter F1 from early 2026, but the deadline for that entry has been repeatedly extended as Ferrari failed to sign off on the new regulations.

Ferrari is seen as vital to F1’s continued prosperity, which is why the FIA ​​(Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) has already extended the deadline twice, originally set for October 15, but it looks like Ferrari will continue to thrive. continue to refuse to participate, it can be extended until 2023.

Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has played down the fact that the 2026 entry deadline has been pushed back.

“It’s not like there’s an official deadline. I don’t think the regulations say it has to be October 15. It’s up to the FIA ​​to decide when it will be and we will.” talk to everyone else. As far as I know, these discussions are ongoing, so we are on track for 2026,” Toto said. Wolff said at the weekend of the last Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi declined to say whether Renault/Alpine have yet accepted the 2026 regulations.

“There are certain points that we would like to discuss legally to cover them as fully as possible. We are continuing to discuss these points as much as possible. And we are all in a good position at some point. We will sign it when it reaches the level of discussion that I believe is imminent.”

Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner argues that from a Red Bull perspective, Red Bull Powertrains should be seen as a newcomer.

“Deadlines have been extended, but there has been a lot of discussion about governance, cleaning up technical regulations and, of course, financial regulation. It’s an exciting time for the group and for the company, a new challenge and we have a lot of work to do between now and 2026”.

Under these circumstances, it became clear that Honda Racing (HRC) has registered as a manufacturer under the 2026 F1 regulations.

Also, in 2023, the engine name of Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri will be changed to Honda RBPT, and Honda is clearly present in F1.

Red Bull is simply claiming Honda as their technical partner.

But Ferrari is adamant that Red Bull Powertrains shouldn’t get all the benefits Audi can get as a true newcomer.

Indeed, Honda is just an extension of its current entry and therefore believes that Red Bull Powertrains will have to adhere to the same rules that Ferrari, Mercedes and Alpine must adhere to.

Ferrari still has veto power over regulation changes, so FIA asks what Honda’s involvement will be in F1 from now on and in next generation F1 power unit development for 2026, existing manufacturers as of 2023. We need to decide as soon as possible whether budget caps and development restrictions apply to Red Bull Racing.

Category: F1 / Ferrari / Red Bull / Honda f1