Honda could return to F1 in 2026

Formula 1 and Volkswagen are getting nervous about the delay in finalizing the engine regulations for 2026.

Porsche and Audi plan to enter F1 at the start of the new era of rules, but the reported "renegotiations and internal conflicts" are delaying confirmation.

"Actually, the World Council was supposed to approve the regulations on June 29," correspondent Michael Schmidt said.

"Audi and Porsche are now pushing for the green light before the summer recess, while the FIA is promising it will come in early July.

It probably won't be in time for the Austrian GP, which is when Porsche and Red Bull apparently wanted to make their collaboration official from 2026.

The delay also means that the identity of Audi's factory partner, most likely Sauber, will remain under wraps for now.

Meanwhile, it is commented that the Volkswagen Group is "nervous" about the delay of the 2026 regulations.

According to Schmidt, this is also the case for Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO, because the involvement of two more automakers in the category is very important.

Apparently, the delay concerns reconciling the differences between VW's brands and F1's established manufacturers, especially under the new financial constraints.

In addition, "an internal dispute within the FIA" has further delayed things, with an alleged conflict between President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Secretary General Peter Bayer leading to the latter's departure.

Ben Sulayem has now assured VW Brands that the regulations will be set in July.

"This was confirmed personally by Ben Sulayem and Domenicali to the management boards of Audi and Porsche in separate conference calls before Canadian GP," Schmidt revealed.

After Audi and Porsche's deals were confirmed, Schmidt thinks it's possible that Honda will announce its return to F1 in 2026.

"If that happens, they could partner with AlphaTauri or even buy the team from Faenza," he said. "We should know more after the summer recess."