With every passing race weekend, every Formula 1 team is one step closer to fully committing to next season’s car.
The 2026 Formula 1 regulations are being described as the biggest rule change in the sport’s history.
Cars will be smaller and lighter, engines will be a mix of internal combustion and electric power units, 100% sustainable fuel will be introduced to the sport and an active aerodynamics system will be implemented.
Some teams are already focusing on 2026 such is the amount of work it’s going to take to be competitive next year.
A race to build the best new power unit is dominating proceedings behind the scenes with worries that which team has the best engine will dominate the next few years of Formula 1.
However, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is reportedly considering altering the sport’s plans.
Ben Sulayem is considering a re-introduction of V10 engines after a suggestion from Bernie Ecclestone and while Lewis Hamilton would favour the return of V10s, a change in the sport’s rules might be more popular with some teams than others.
READ MORE: Cadillac have done something to upset every current F1 team already before their proposed 2026 entry
Cadillac could benefit from Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s suggested F1 rule changes
A report from the German outlet Auto Motor und Sport has shared more details about how next year’s ruleset is being discussed in the paddock.
They believe ‘several teams’ are concerned that next year’s regulations are ‘too ambitious’ and they’re therefore raising safety concerns about the energy recuperation aspect of the regulations.
This is because there could be significant speed differences between drivers who are charging their batteries and those who are trying to set their fastest laps.
Ben Sulayem has therefore had the idea to extend the current ruleset for another two seasons before switching directly to naturally aspirated engines in 2028.
Cosworth could be tempted into a return to F1 if the sport commits to V10 engines from 2030 giving teams another option that isn’t directly connected to a rival.
There are suggestions Ben Sulayem is only suggesting this late change to the rules to protect himself if next year is a ‘flop’.
Meanwhile, AMuS report that others have accused Ben Sulayem of wanting to change the rules to help Cadillac because he has ‘emotional ties’ to the brand.
It’s believed that this rule change would be ‘perfect’ for Cadillac given General Motors’ own power unit won’t be ready until 2028 and they can use Ferrari’s engine for their first two seasons.
READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers
Cadillac still have key decisions to make before 2026 Formula 1 debut
Like the 10 teams currently on the grid already, Cadillac will want clarification on next year’s rules as soon as possible.
The longer the FIA president waits, the less likely the teams are going to agree to any change, with Audi likely to be finished if Ben Sulayem pushes his proposal through.
However, not only have Cadillac got to desire and build their first Formula 1 car, but they also need to hire two new drivers.
The only other current teams on the grid without a confirmed driver for 2026 yet are Racing Bulls and Mercedes.
The Red Bull-backed team have a roster of youngsters they can call upon if they decide to part ways with Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar and it’s hard to see Toto Wolff replacing both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Sergio Perez has been linked with Cadillac and a potential return to the Formula 1 grid while Colton Herta appears to be Cadillac’s chosen American driver.
It’s an intriguing aspect of the driver market that hasn’t sprung into action yet.
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