FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants Formula 1 to eventually race again with V8 engines. He announced this during the Miami GP. In a new social media post, he again advocates for a return of naturally aspirated power units. He is aiming for 2031, although ideally the premier class would race with V8 engines a year earlier. Nothing concrete has been decided yet, although several teams have indicated their support for the plans.
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Ben Sulayem explained his vision on Tuesday via Instagram, where he reinforced his V8 plans once again. “I am committed to bringing V8 engines back to Formula 1,” read the caption. “Ideally already in 2030, but certainly in 2031 as part of the next FIA regulation cycle. V8 engines are lighter, simpler, and cheaper, while sustainable fuels ensure they align with our environmental goals. Most importantly, they bring back the unique, intense sound that fans around the world associate with Formula 1.”
The final direction for the next generation of engines has not yet been determined. However, it is clear that the discussion about the future of the engine regulations has accelerated. The current rules have been criticized in recent months, both by fans and drivers. Max Verstappen has threatened to leave the sport several times. The Dutchman has often expressed a preference for the naturally aspirated engines of the past, and fans also long for the V8 experience of earlier times.
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Advantages of a V8
Mohammed Ben Sulayem is generally unpopular with the F1 audience, partly because he concentrates a lot of power within the governing body. Recently, he announced that he wants to remove the term limit for the presidency. This would allow him to stay longer than the currently allowed three terms. Nevertheless, he offers fans a promising prospect with his V8 plans. “Lighter, cheaper, safer, louder, and simpler,” he listed the advantages. The question remains how realistic the Emirati’s plans are.
Several team principals and manufacturers have indicated they are open to a return to V8 engines. These were last used in 2013, before the start of the hybrid era. Mercedes, through team principal and CEO Toto Wolff, has already expressed its support for this step. The Austrian even openly dreamed of a ‘mega-engine,’ including an electric component. Red Bull is also positive about V8 engines, confirmed Laurent Mekies. “As Red Bull, we are definitely open to that,” the Frenchman responded in Miami. He explained that the team also started from scratch for 2026.
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View this post on InstagramA post shared by Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@mohammed.ben.sulayem)
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