Formula One will revert to V8 engines by 2030/31, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed. The move follows the launch of a new engine era this season, with power units now divided roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power and operating on fully sustainable fuel.
Driver Criticism of Current Engines
This change represented the most significant overhaul of engine regulations in over a decade, but it has attracted criticism from leading drivers. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has branded the latest machines as 'just not fun to drive', comparing them to Formula E. Lewis Hamilton also expressed frustration at the complexity of the new technical regulations.
Background of the Proposal
The prospect of Formula 1 returning to V8 or V10 engines running on sustainable fuels was initially raised by Ben Sulayem last year. However, the concept was rejected by power-unit manufacturers, who had already invested in the new hybrid system.
The current power unit remains enormously expensive for both manufacturers and customers, even without the MGU-H. It is also heavy, mainly due to the substantial battery needed to support the electrical component. With sustainable fuels becoming an increasing priority, manufacturers are now more willing to consider alternative engine directions in F1.
Ben Sulayem's Statement
"It's coming," warned Ben Sulayem before alluding to a switch back to V8s or V10s. "Oh yes, it is coming. At the end of the day, it's a matter of time."
"In 2031, the FIA will have the power to do it, without any votes from the PUMs [power unit manufacturers]. That's the regulations. But we want to bring it one year earlier, which everyone [externally] now is asking for. When you try to tell them [the PUMs] they say no, but what will come, will come, and it [the power] will come back to the FIA."
Addressing the reasoning behind the change, Ben Sulayem went on to say: "Let's not talk about the technical side of it. Let's talk about the mission of it. The mission will be less complication, not like now. When the MGU-H was there before, it was there to serve a purpose, but none of the manufacturers benefited from it in the real world. Now, with just the MGU-K, it's the same engine. It's turbo, it's 1.6 litre."
V8 Preference and Minimal Electrification
While V8s remain the favoured option, the new units will not be a straightforward normally-aspirated design. "I feel like a V10...if I ask any of the manufacturers who are in F1 now if they produce any cars with a V10, an era that many of the cars had, but now, no," Ben Sulayem explained.
"The most popular and easiest to work with is the V8. You get the sound, less complexity, lightweight. You will hear about it very soon, and it will be with a very, very minor electrification, but the main one will be the engine."
"It will not be something like now, which is a 46-54 split. There will be very minimal [electric] power. The V8, you see it [in road cars] with Ferrari, Mercedes, Audi, Cadillac. You see it with most of the manufacturers, and that gives you a lightweight car."
Timeline and Confirmation
While stopping short of committing to a firm timeline for the change, the FIA president added: "I'm targeting 2030. One year before the maturity [of the regulations]. It will happen. They want it to happen. But let's say the manufacturers don't [vote for it], then one more year and it will be done. It's not a matter of, 'Do I need their support?' No, it will be done. V8 is coming."
V8 engines last featured in the sport from 2006 to 2013. The Miami Grand Prix is set to get underway on Sunday evening, though the original 9pm BST start time has been pushed forward by three hours owing to the risk of thunder and lightning in the area, with officials confirming a revised 6pm BST kick-off following lengthy discussions.
