FIA President targets 2030 for V8 engine return to F1

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stated that Formula 1 could see a dramatic shift back to V8 engines as early as 2030, declaring the iconic power units are "coming" and that the governing body has the regulatory power to enact the change even without unanimous manufacturer support. This comes amid widespread criticism of the current 2026 power unit regulations, which mandate a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy.

Why it matters:

A potential return to V8 engines represents a fundamental philosophical shift for F1's future, moving away from the road-relevant, hybrid-heavy formula that has defined the last decade. Ben Sulayem's comments directly challenge the current trajectory set by power unit manufacturers (PUMs) like Audi and Honda, who entered or stayed in the sport based on electrification roadmaps, and could trigger significant political and technical battles over the sport's direction.

The details:

• Ben Sulayem's declaration was made at the Miami Grand Prix, where he stated, "It’s coming. Oh yes, it is coming. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of time."
• He specifically targeted the 2030 season for the change, aiming to implement it one year before the current 2026 regulations mature. He asserted the FIA holds the ultimate power to make such a change unilaterally in 2031, but seeks to achieve consensus for 2030.
• The proposed V8 formula would feature only "very, very minor" electrification, a stark contrast to the current 46-54% electrical power split. Ben Sulayem argued V8s are the most practical choice, offering the desired sound, less complexity, and lighter weight, while noting V10 engines are no longer road-relevant.
• This push follows intense driver criticism of the 2026 rules. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll recently called them "fundamentally flawed" and accused them of "destroying racing," citing issues like mandatory lift-and-coast in qualifying and dangerous closing speeds witnessed in crashes.

What's next:

Ben Sulayem's comments set the stage for a major negotiation period with F1's power unit manufacturers. While he claims manufacturers "want it to happen," their commitment to hybrid technology for marketing and road car development suggests potential resistance. The coming months will reveal whether this is a firm plan or a negotiating tactic to spur compromises on the current 2026 rules, which teams and drivers continue to criticize even after recent tweaks. The FIA President's confidence underscores a brewing conflict over the soul of F1's future technical identity.