V8s are coming back to F1, FIA’s Ben Sulayem says

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says V8 engines will return to Formula 1 in either 2030 or 2031, describing it as a matter of time before they are approved.

The current power unit regulations – requiring a V6 turbo hybrid that features a near 50-50 power split between internal combustion and electrical energy – have been the root cause of the debate over this year’s track action, with many drivers complaining of the approach required to a qualifying lap and certain overtaking situations.

While the sport is trying to adjust the current parameters to improve the situation, Ben Sulayem says the next set of regulations are already receiving support to move to a cheaper V8 solution.

“It's coming. At the end of the day, it's a matter of time,” Ben Sulayem was quoted as saying by Reuters in Miami over the race weekend. "In 2031, the V8, 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 now is asking for.”

To introduce a new type of engine in 2030 would require agreement from a super majority of four of the six power unit manufacturers, including Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Audi, Honda and future supplier General Motors. Even if that is not achieved, Ben Sulayem – who has previously floated the idea of the next set of regulations featuring a V8 or V10 on sustainable fuel – says the following year could be done solely at the FIA’s discretion.

“You get the sound, less complexity, lightweight [with a V8]. 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," he said. "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.”

The last time V8 engines were used in Formula 1 was in 2013, with the following year seeing a switch to the V6 turbo hybrid regulations that ran until last season.