The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is exploring the introduction of an independent engine supplier for Formula 1’s post-2030 regulatory cycle. This initiative aims to reduce the influence of established manufacturers over customer teams. Discussions suggest a potential return to V8 power units for this future era, with a focus on simpler, lighter, and less expensive designs.
For the current 2026 Formula 1 season, five power unit manufacturers are supplying the grid. These include Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda, Audi, and Red Bull Powertrains, which operates in partnership with Ford. This marks an increase from the four suppliers present in the 2025 season, with Renault having exited as a manufacturer.
Red Bull Powertrains, a subsidiary of Red Bull GmbH, is responsible for supplying power units to both Oracle Red Bull Racing and its sister team, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. This arrangement ensures both Red Bull-owned entities utilise the same engine hardware.
The dual ownership model, where Red Bull GmbH controls two Formula 1 teams, has drawn increasing scrutiny from rival constructors and the FIA. Concerns centre on competitive integrity and the potential for undue influence between the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has been a vocal critic of multi-team ownership, citing issues such as personnel movement and perceived competitive advantages. He has previously highlighted the lack of stringent gardening leave requirements between the Red Bull-owned entities as a grievance.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly stated his personal view that owning two teams is ‘not the right way.’ The governing body is actively investigating the ethics and integrity of such arrangements within the sport.
In response to these concerns, Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies has affirmed the organisation’s adherence to FIA regulations. He also indicated that Red Bull has implemented internal restrictions on staff transfers that exceed current FIA requirements.
Despite the ongoing debate, the Red Bull Powertrains DM01 engine has been provisionally identified as the most powerful internal combustion engine on the 2026 grid by the FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system. This benchmark status means Red Bull Powertrains is not eligible for development tokens.
Other manufacturers, including Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi, and Honda, receive development tokens under the ADUO system to address performance deficits. The FIA’s independent engine supplier proposal for the post-2030 era is part of a broader strategy to ensure a level playing field and reduce manufacturer leverage over customer teams.
