“It’s a Matter of Time”: FIA President says V8 engines will return to F1

Formula 1’s engine debate has been pushed into overdrive following claims from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem that “it’s a matter of time” before V8s return to the sport.

The new-for-2026 power units, which feature a near 50/50 split between a turbocharged V6 internal combustion engine and electric battery power, have been divisive to say the least. F1 and its stakeholders have already been forced to refine the regulations just three rounds into the championship.

Drastic closing speeds—caused by variations in electrical deployment between drivers—have emerged as a safety concern, highlighted by Ollie Bearman’s 50G crash at Suzuka. Meanwhile, extreme battery management techniques such as super-clipping have been adopted, detracting from the flat-out spectacle of qualifying.

Regardless of the refinements introduced for the Miami Grand Prix, which have seen varying degrees of early success, the FIA President has emphatically stated that F1 will return to V8 power with “minor electrification” by 2031 at the latest—and potentially as early as 2030, should the FIA secure unanimous agreement from power-unit manufacturers (PUMs).

“It’s coming. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of time,” Ben Sulayem said, speaking to Reuters during the Miami Grand Prix weekend.

“In 2031, the V8, the FIA will have the power to do it, without any votes from the PUMs.

“That’s the regulations. But we want to bring it one year earlier, which everyone ⁠now is asking for.

“You get the sound, less complexity, lightweight. You will hear about it very soon and it will be with a very, very minor electrification.

“I’m positive, they want it to happen. But let’s say the manufacturers don’t approve it [for 2030]. The next year, it will happen. In 2031 it’s done anyway. It will be done. V8 is coming.”

Ahead of the 2026 power-unit introduction, Ben Sulayem had already voiced support for a return to V8 or even V10 engines running on 100% sustainable fuels. While the current regulations are locked in until the end of 2030, there is growing optimism about what could follow.

“The mission will be less complication, not like now,” the Emirati added.

F1 has followed the V6 turbo-hybrid path since 2014, with the current complex systems—featuring two separate energy-recovery units—replacing the high-revving 2.4-litre V8s used between 2006 and 2013.

Electrification in F1 power units has long been viewed as a key factor in attracting major automotive manufacturers. The 2026 regulations will see Audi introduce its own power unit, while Cadillac has joined as the sport’s eleventh team, with a General Motors-built power unit expected to power the American marque from 2028.

In terms of road relevance, electric vehicles have dominated as the preferred solution for reducing fossil fuel use. However, F1’s development of sustainable fuels—particularly synthetic alternatives—forms part of its broader push toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, although this technology has yet to achieve widespread adoption in the mainstream automotive industry.

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Written by

Jawad Yaqub

An eCommerce Specialist by day and reporting on F1 by night. Jawad is passionate about motorsport, having provided accredited F1 coverage for more than a decade and is a member of the AIPS (International Sports Press Association). Live blogging (almost) every grand prix too since 2014, as well as articles on the Supercars Championship. Also keen on sustainability, photography, collecting vinyl, (trying to) expertly barbeque and learning to Dad.

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