The new engine regulations for 2026 – where the power unit relies even more on electric drive – have been heavily criticized in recent months. Among others, Max Verstappen argued that the current engine formula undermines the nature of the sport. However, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced in Miami that the sport will return to V8 engines in the future. Red Bull supports this plan, team principal Laurent Mekies revealed.
Fans and drivers have long wished to return to larger, naturally aspirated engines, especially now that the V6 in 2026 has an even larger hybrid system. Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated in Miami that their prayers might be answered: around 2030 or 2031, Formula 1 should race again with V8 engines. If this happens as early as 2030, the FIA will need approval from at least four of the six manufacturers then involved, namely Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Honda, Audi, and GM.
Audi and GM were actually attracted to the sport with the promise of electrification and hybrid technology, so enthusiasm for a V8 may be limited there. Large naturally aspirated engines have little application in the modern automotive industry. Mercedes, through team principal and CEO Toto Wolff, has already expressed full 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, as confirmed by Laurent Mekies.
Red Bull welcomes V8
“As Red Bull, we are certainly open to that,” the Frenchman responded in Miami. He explained that the team also started from scratch for 2026. “And we have performed well,” he referred to the results in the first races. “We are still a bit behind Mercedes, but we also feel that the mechanics have done a fantastic job, considering that we can already compete. That is why we welcome this next challenge. Of course, we lack a rich technical background, but precisely for that reason, we approach this challenge with enthusiasm.”
Although Red Bull has never produced V8 engines themselves – as Mercedes did between 2009 and 2013 – they can rely on Ford’s rich experience. “There is indeed a V8 in the Ford Mustang,” Mekies confirmed when asked. “I am lucky to drive it every day in Milton Keynes, so maybe we do have a small advantage,” he concluded with a wink.
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