Formula 1 could soon reconnect with its most iconic engines. The FIA president confirms a major turning point awaited by fans.
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This is an announcement that should delight many enthusiasts: Formula 1 is about to turn an important page in its history. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed that the discipline is considering a return to V8 engines at the beginning of the next decade.
A topic discussed for several months, notably due to criticisms aimed at the current power units, considered too complex, costly, and heavy. The recent introduction of a hybrid system with a significant split between thermal and electric energy has not convinced part of the paddock.
“It’s coming, yes, it’s coming. In the end, it’s just a matter of time” he explains, leaving little room for doubt about the direction the discipline is taking.
An evolution driven by costs and complexity
If the FIA is pushing in this direction, it is also to simplify the current technology. Despite some developments, such as the removal of systems considered too complex, the engines remain expensive and difficult to operate for teams as well as for engine manufacturers.
“The goal is to reduce complexity, not to have something like today” specifies Mohammed Ben Sulayem, highlighting a desire to make the discipline more accessible and clearer.
He also points out that some past technical elements did not bring concrete benefits to the automotive industry, which reinforces the idea of a return to a simpler architecture.
A schedule already in mind for the FIA
The implementation of these new engines could take place around 2030, earlier than initially planned. The FIA would have by then the necessary power to impose this change, even without the full agreement of the engine manufacturers.
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“I am aiming for 2030. It will happen” he states, determined to accelerate this transition. He also adds that, even in case of disagreement, the project could come to fruition a year later thanks to the regulatory framework.
However, be aware that this will not be a simple step back. The future V8 engines should include a portion of electrification, but much more limited than today.
“You will hear about it very soon, with very minimal electrification. The engine will remain the main element” he details, emphasizing a better balance between performance, weight, and simplicity.
This choice would also allow maintaining a link with road cars, several manufacturers still using this type of engine.
A decision already appealing internally
According to Ben Sulayem, feedback from manufacturers has been generally positive, although some remain cautious. The current context, marked by a diversification of energy strategies, would favor this change.
“They want it to happen” he assures, while specifying that the FIA is ready to see the project through no matter what.
With this announcement, Formula 1 could soon reconnect with a period much appreciated by fans, while adapting it to modern challenges.
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