Formula 1 may be closer to a new change in the direction of its engines. Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the category, described the possibility of a return of V8 engines as ‘quite big’.
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During the Dutch GP weekend, Domenicali was asked about the chances of F1 abandoning part of the complexity of the current configuration and returning to a formula based on V8s. The executive stated that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem supports the idea and that the category is moving in that direction.
“I think it’s quite big. The FIA president really wants this and we support him. Of course, everything still needs to be defined. But I think we are all moving in the right direction in this regard,” Domenicali said.
The possibility represents an important change after the adoption of the 2026 power unit regulations, which significantly increased the electric participation. The definition of the format, timing, and technical characteristics of a possible new engine is not yet concluded, although 2030 has been discussed as a possible target.
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Domenicali had already shown strong support for the idea earlier, even declaring himself ‘1000% in favor of the return of V8s’. Among the arguments presented is the possibility of making the cars lighter and the engines less complex, while Mohammed Ben Sulayem advocates a combination of V8 and sustainable fuels.
The debate also gained strength amid Max Verstappen’s criticisms of the current concept, mainly due to the weight of electric use and energy management. The Red Bull Racing driver questions whether this feature can preserve the aggressive driving experience that has marked the category.
Despite progress in discussions, Domenicali emphasized that there are still important steps before any decision: “Everything still needs to be defined,” he concluded, also highlighting the need to align FIA, F1, teams, and power unit manufacturers before establishing a new regulation.
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