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Customer engines in F1: Pipe dream or repetition of a doomed experiment?
A recent suggestion to introduce independent customer engines to Formula 1 has triggered widespread paddock skepticism regarding practical feasibility and lessons from history.
By Hans van den Broekma - 2026-07-11T07:12:35.000Z - 2 min read
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's recent suggestion of introducing a 'customer engine' to Formula 1 raised more than a few eyebrows. While logical at first glance, insiders believe similar plans hit the rocks in the past and are bound to fail once again.
The history of F1 demonstrates that engine supplier stability has always been fragile; major manufacturers entered and exited with equal ease over the years, leaving Ferrari as virtually the sole constant. Furthermore, the root of many current power unit issues lies predominantly with the FIA itself, having previously forced through controversial hybrid regulations despite widespread criticism.
However, the greatest threat posed by an independent, cheaper customer engine is a rift among teams. It would instantly split Formula 1 into 'haves and have-nots', directly opposing ongoing efforts to level the playing field via budget caps. Moreover, manufacturers will inevitably lobby to ensure their proprietary power units remain superior to any accessible alternative.
Instead of a customer engine, alternatives have long been championed, such as returning to V8 engines or a naturally aspirated V6 for desired sound and power, alongside lighter cars. The hybrid system could also be restricted to a pure overtaking aid. Ultimately, the most constructive path appears to be the FIA and Liberty Media collaborating with engine manufacturers and independent builders to draft a new, less prescriptive power unit formula, featuring a capped maximum price and a mandate for manufacturers to supply two to three teams.