Is F1 going to save the combustion engine from oblivion?

Recent commitments to the turbo hybrid regulations using sustainable fuels by Audi and Honda, taking effect from 2026, have profound implications in the world of Formula 1 (F1), beyond just adding to the competition on the track. These commitments hint at the potential to reshape the future of engines in road cars on a global scale.

Following Honda’s unexpected decision to embrace this new direction, it quickly became evident that the future of F1 and its impact on everyday vehicles are about to change significantly. Christian Horner, the boss of the Red Bull team, commented: “This shows that the combustion engine is far from obsolete. When Honda initially withdrew, their reasoning was to focus on electrification. However, with sustainable fuels and zero emissions becoming a reality, alongside F1’s plans for 2026, combustion engines have regained their relevance.”

Developments within the EU

Governmental policies in recent years have been steering the automotive industry and consumers towards a future dominated by electric vehicles. However, recent changes in these trends are now evident. The impending EU ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 once seemed to spell doom for the internal combustion engine. Current developments suggest a less definitive outcome.

As EU regulations progressed through legislative stages, concessions were made to secure approval from various governments. This included allowing low-volume car manufacturers to continue producing traditional engines and an exception for engines powered by carbon-neutral e-fuel, guaranteed by the German government. The Italian government is following suit, seeking similar exemptions for biofuels.

These changes can be attributed partly to the efforts of F1 representatives like CEO Stefano Domenicali, who has been actively involved in discussions throughout Europe to inform policymakers. The resulting message implies a more nuanced response to the energy transition.

A recent G7 meeting in Japan further emphasized this shift, highlighting a future for road cars that are not just electric, but also electrified, using a variety of fuels. The G7 nations expressed their ambition to achieve 100% electrified new passenger car sales by 2035, alongside promoting sustainable, carbon-neutral fuels, including bio- and synthetic fuels.

There is also growing recognition of the life-cycle carbon footprint comparison between electric vehicles, hybrids, and traditional cars, suggesting that electric isn’t necessarily the superior choice. This doesn’t indicate a halt in the shift towards electric, but a more balanced approach seems to be emerging, acknowledging a potential future for combustion engines, particularly those powered by carbon-neutral fuels.

Changing perspectives

Honda, despite previously exiting F1 to focus on electric vehicles, now suggests a more open-minded stance regarding the future of road cars, even though their plans haven’t yet altered. Toshihiro Mibe, Honda CEO, acknowledged that the combustion engine will likely persist and that the company must be prepared for the potential demand for e-fuels, despite the challenges they present, such as cost.

F1’s Domenicali has long advocated for such open-mindedness, criticizing what he perceives as a dogmatic belief in electric vehicles being the sole solution for carbon-neutral transportation. He insists that a comprehensive sustainability goal is correct, but transition must be handled with care, stating that forcing unachievable goals is a mistake.

A more balanced future

F1 has long held the belief that the future of road transport will comprise both electric and sustainably fueled combustion engines, excluding fossil fuels. The division between electric and combustion engines is challenging to determine at present.

However, F1’s advancement of its hybrid technology and sustainable fuels will play a crucial role in defining this balance. This is the motivation behind F1’s commitment to sustainable fuels, aiming to accelerate the technology’s evolution beyond what would naturally occur in commercial markets.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes that the governing body must now take action, considering the ethical dilemmas surrounding materials like Cobalt used in batteries, and the environmental impact of lithium extraction. He emphasizes the need to reach carbon neutrality ethically, regardless of the method used.

F1’s potential as a trailblazer

F1’s recent developments suggest that it could play a leading role in setting the agenda for future road cars. If F1 can shift the focus towards achieving carbon-neutral transportation, irrespective of the technology used, it could ensure a role for the combustion engine in our day-to-day life.

Ben Sulayem expressed optimism about a long-term future for the combustion engine but acknowledged the challenges it poses. He emphasized the shared responsibility of the FIA, OEMs, and manufacturers in meeting this challenge.

Domenicali echoed these sentiments, stating that prematurely dismissing the internal combustion engine is a mistake and a disservice to those not fully informed on the subject. He proposed that with fully sustainable fuel achieving zero tailpipe emissions, it may be beneficial to explore other directions, alongside electric vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Future of Combustion Engines

More about Future of Combustion Engines

• F1’s role in shaping the future of combustion engines
• EU regulations on carbon neutral e-fuel
• G7 nations’ future vision for road cars
• The FIA’s stance on environmental responsibility