The FIA has launched a five-year tender for the engine electronics – The timetable is nevertheless extremely tight
The FIA, the world governing body for motor racing, is looking for a supplier for the standardised engine control unit (SECU) from the 2026 Formula One season onwards, with the tender covering five seasons until the end of 2030
Formula 1 has been using a SECU since the 2008 season. The tender process at that time was launched in 2006. The idea behind the standardised ECU was that the FIA wanted to gain a better understanding of exactly what the teams were doing. It also helps to prevent the use of banned technologies such as automatic start and traction control.
The first contract was won by a joint venture between Microsoft and McLaren Electronic Systems. McLaren has been the sole supplier ever since, now under the name “McLaren Applied”. Therefore, the manufacturer is also considered the favourite for the new contract. Rivals would have to deliver greater added value in order to dethrone the top dog.
There is little time for interested parties to make a bid. The deadline is already on 25 March. The candidates must then present themselves in interviews in mid-April, and the decision will be made as early as the end of April.
Even then, the winner will have a tight schedule, especially since the regulations for the 2026 Formula 1 engines have not even been decided yet. The first specifications of hardware and software must be available to the teams and engine manufacturers by 1 July 2023 at the latest, and the first prototype unit must enter the test phase on 1 October of the same year.
The final product must then be finalised by 14 January 2024 before the teams place their orders in February. These include the 2026 Formula One season and any testing before then. The winner of the tender must guarantee to be able to supply all Formula One teams with at least three units by 1 July 2024.
The FIA has also made it clear that the teams and engine manufacturers will also be involved in reviewing the bids.
It says: “In order to take into account the far-reaching implications of the SECU contract on the running of the World Championship, FIA intends to seek comments on the bids from the teams and manufacturers of the power units. “
“The FIA will also organise meetings where applicants can present their products and answer questions from the FIA, teams and engine manufacturers. By submitting a bid, applicants agree to these conditions. “