V8 engines could return to Formula 1 in the next decade, and the FIA is already working to make this possibility viable. The organization’s president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, stated that the entity is holding talks with teams, manufacturers, and drivers to define the next steps of the project.
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The discussion gained momentum after the introduction of the new 2026 power units, which received criticism related to electrical dependence and energy management. If it progresses, the proposal could bring V8s back to the category in the early 2030s, with 2031 being considered a regulatory limit.
Ben Sulayem recalled that the FIA closely monitors the impacts of the changes implemented in F1 and emphasized that adjustments are part of the process: “We make mistakes. We have loopholes, as do the teams. But one thing we will always do is acknowledge and correct them,” he told Viaplay.
The FIA president highlighted that the entity constantly monitors the information received from the different parties involved in the category: “The FIA also studies all the information it receives, all complaints. Ultimately, you have the power unit manufacturers, where a supermajority is four out of six, and also the teams to ensure that motorsport is competitive and fair,” he said.
According to Ben Sulayem, the analysis of the V8s’ return goes beyond nostalgia. The FIA seeks to define what objectives need to be achieved by a future generation of engines before any definitive decision.
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“Returning to V8s, we need to understand what the objectives are and why. I feel there is a need for an engine developed on a blank sheet, one that meets all requirements,” explained the official.
Among the factors considered are the sound of the engines, technical simplicity, and cost reduction, in addition to sustainability: “The sound is very important for the fans. We also think about simplicity and cost efficiency. There is total sustainability with sustainable fuel, but we are still doing calculations with the teams,” he added.
Finally, Ben Sulayem reiterated that the decision will not be made unilaterally: “We are consulting the teams, the power unit manufacturers, and also the drivers. This is important. It’s not me, nor is it the teams. It’s the drivers who drive these cars,” he concluded.
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