When the new engine regulations come into effect at the beginning of the 2026 season, every engine provider will be sent back to square one.
Audi will use this opportunity to enter the sport and complete their takeover of Sauber, making use of the chance to join the grid in a year of major change.
As a new entrant, Audi will be entitled to a number of benefits when they join the grid, including more hours for testing.
These benefits will be available to help the new entrants get up to speed with the rest of the grid, due to the fact that the existing engine providers have years of experience in the sport to base their 2026 project on.
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Red Bull will end their partnership with Honda in 2026 to become powered by Red Bull Powertrains, who will technically be a new entrant to the sport.
Initially it seemed as if Red Bull Powertrains would be entitled to the benefits of being a new entrant, claiming that they have no say in the Honda engine, which is designed and manufactured in Japan without Red Bull’s input.
The energy drink giants have now partnered with Ford however, who have a vast experience in F1 developing engines, dating all the way back to their days working with Cosworth engines and Jaguar.
Many F1 teams have been alarmed by the benefits that Red Bull Powertrains could be set to receive, despite the vast knowledge and experience of Ford.
Ferrari president John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna have now reportedly intervened to “assert the political weight of the Prancing Horse”, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
It has been reported that Ferrari’s appeal was taken into account by the FIA and they have taken action to prevent Ford from gaining any benefits.
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The car manufacturing giants will now only been seen as a business partner of Red Bull and therefore they will not be entitled to this extra testing time.
It was rumoured that Ferrari initially refused to sign up to the 2026 engine regulations, but after clarifying the Red Bull Ford situation with the FIA, they have now signed up.
It is believed that their agreement with the FIA may include some benefits for Ferrari, but the details of this agreement is yet to be revealed.