Red Bull welcomes V8 return as FIA forces engine shake-up timeline

The FIA is pushing for a return to V8 engines in Formula 1 by 2030 or 2031, with president Mohammed Ben Sulayem declaring the change inevitable even without full support from power unit manufacturers. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has welcomed the prospect, noting that Red Bull Powertrains – new to the game and partnered with Ford – is well-positioned to adapt.

Why it matters:

After a decade of turbo-hybrid V6s that many fans and drivers found acoustically lacking, a shift back to roaring V8s could transform the sport's spectacle. But the move also reignites debate over electrification: Mercedes' Toto Wolff warns that abandoning hybrid tech risks making F1 look outdated in an era pushing for sustainability.

The details:

• Ben Sulayem says FIA will have unilateral authority to enact the change in 2031, but aims for 2030. He claims current power unit manufacturers are privately in favor.
• The next-gen V8s would use fully sustainable fuel and minimal electrification – a stark contrast to the current 50/50 ICE-battery split.
• Red Bull's Mekies: "We are quite excited about a new challenge. There is a V8 in the Ford Mustang I drive every day – we may have an early start."
• Red Bull Powertrains is still catching up to Mercedes in PU performance, but its greenfield approach makes it more flexible for regulatory changes.

What's next:

• Wolff pushes back, arguing F1 must maintain relevance: "If we swing 100% combustion, we might look ridiculous in 2030 or 2031. We need to consider a mega-engine with strong hybrid output."
• V8 revival could reshape engine partnerships and team strategies, with Ford's historic V8 know-how giving Red Bull a potential edge.
• Formal proposals and technical regulations are expected within the next two years, with a final vote likely in 2026 or 2027.