Formula 1 could deeply revise its engines as early as 2030 or 2031 with the return of V8s. A prospect that appeals to Toto Wolff, despite the immense successes achieved by Mercedes during the hybrid era.
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Formula 1 has just introduced its new generation of engines, yet discussions about their succession are already well advanced.
Since 2026, power units have been based on a near 50-50 split between internal combustion engine and electric power. A technological choice that has profoundly changed the way drivers have to manage their energy during races.
But this philosophy might only last a few years. For the next regulatory cycle, expected in 2030 or 2031, Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants to put the internal combustion engine back at the center of performance and is considering notably the return of V8s.
An orientation that receives the support of a particularly important figure: Toto Wolff.
Wolff criticizes the complexity of current engines
Mercedes has nevertheless greatly benefited from the hybrid era started in 2014. The German team has won eight constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ championships since that date, in addition to 126 victories.
That does not prevent Toto Wolff from recognizing some limits of the current concept.
“I discuss with the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, with Stefano Domenicali and with the other engine manufacturers”, explains the Mercedes boss.
“The current engines are so complex. We are beginning to understand them better because they have changed the way of racing. Some enjoy Sunday races because there are many overtakes, others do not, but it is the most adaptable drivers who win.”
Wolff notably takes as examples Lewis Hamilton, whose performances have significantly improved this season, as well as Kimi Antonelli.
But another element particularly annoys him: the noise produced by the cars in certain situations.
“I can’t stand cars revving on the grid for ten seconds before the start. It sounds like a fire alarm.”
A 1000-horsepower V8 considered
In the longer term, the philosophy could therefore radically evolve.
According to Wolff, current discussions tend towards a power unit in which the internal combustion engine would regain a very largely dominant place.
“In the medium and long term, over a horizon of three to four years as things currently stand, we will return to a combustion engine that will represent more than 50% of the performance.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem more precisely advocates the idea of a V8 associated with a significantly more limited electric part.
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“Ben Sulayem wants a V8 eight-cylinder, with a nice sound, and a smaller battery. I think we would be around 80-20 in terms of power distribution between the internal combustion engine and the battery, for a total power of 1000 horsepower.”
A concept that more closely resembles the old KERS systems, even if the electric component would remain more important than back then.
“As a purist, I like that”
Several unknowns remain, however, notably concerning the exact architecture of this potential V8.
“I don’t yet know if it will be naturally aspirated or not, but I think this is currently the direction Formula 1 is taking. And as a purist, I like that.”
Wolff’s support is notable given Mercedes’ recent history. The German brand became the absolute reference when the turbo hybrid V6s were introduced in 2014 and dominated much of that period.
But before a possible return of V8s, the current regulations will already undergo several adjustments.
F1 will gradually reduce the electric share
The 50-50 split introduced in 2026 is not expected to remain fixed. F1 plans to gradually give more importance back to the internal combustion engine, notably through an increase in fuel flow.
The goal is ultimately to reach a split close to 60-40 in favor of the combustion engine.
But this evolution also requires material modifications to the power units.
“If you increase the fuel flow, which we are doing, you get more power. Then you have to adapt certain components”, explains Wolff.
Mercedes would have liked to go further as early as 2027.
“We would have liked to have 50 kilowatts more engine power next year, but Ferrari blocked it. So we will have an increase of 20 kilowatts, then a rise of 50 kilowatts in 2028.”
A new major change is already underway
These adjustments should allow the current generation to evolve gradually before a potentially much more radical change at the beginning of the next decade.
After more than fifteen years marked by turbo hybrid engines, Formula 1 could thus return to a more traditional mechanical architecture, while retaining a share of electrification and sustainable fuels.
And despite all that Mercedes owes to the hybrid era, Toto Wolff does not hide his preference: if F1 really decides to put a 1000-horsepower V8 back at the heart of its cars, the Austrian boss will be among the supporters of the change.
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