Formula 1 is set to bring back V8 engines from 2030 or 2031, according to Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The FIA president stated that the decision has already been made and argued for a shift toward simpler, lighter, and cheaper units.
During the 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend, Ben Sulayem told Self magazine that the return of the V8 is “confirmed.” The statement reinforces the FIA’s intention to once again alter the technical concept of the category a few years after the entry of the new power-unit regulations.
The official criticized the high costs of developing the current engines and cited investments by manufacturers. “A V8 is durable. When we talk about R&D, we’re talking about more than 200 million euros,” he said. He also stated that the Red Bull-Ford has invested more than 1.3 billion euros in the current engine, describing the amount as “absurd.”
Ben Sulayem explained that FIA’s goal is to have the new engine ready by 2031, but with pressure to bring the arrival forward to 2030. The proposal envisions a hybrid system, but lighter and simpler. “The complexity is against what I am fighting for,” the federation president highlighted.
The aim is also to reduce the weight of the cars. He said the goal is for future F1 models to weigh between 630 kg and 650 kg. “A heavy car is not good for the driver and is no longer safe,” he stated.
The plan proposed by Ben Sulayem includes a turbo-less V8 engine, with about 10% hybridization and sustainable fuel. According to the FIA president, the mission is to merge simplicity, cost control, and better sound for the audience, reducing engine costs from 1.5 million euros to around 700 thousand euros.
