FIA Proposes V8 Engine Return for Formula 1 in 2030 or 2031

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is pushing for a return to V8 engines in Formula 1 by 2030 or 2031, stating that the governing body will need engine manufacturers' agreement to implement the change for 2030 ahead of the current cars' agreed five-year schedule.

He first proposed a return to big, noisy traditional engines in 2025, but that proposal fizzled out in a meeting with manufacturers. Formula 1 started 2026 with changes headlined by a 50-50 split in power between a traditional engine and the onboard battery pack, marking some of the biggest shifts in its 76-year history.

There was a big step up in electrical power for 2026, building on the V6 engines with electrical hybrid power used since 2014. The Miami Grand Prix on May 3, 2026, was the first race under changes that slightly limited the role of electrical power. These tweaks curbed the influence of electrical power and promoted pure driving skill over electrical recharging, especially in qualifying, answering driver criticism.

Formula 1 is four races into its new era in 2026, with only three Grand Prix races held under the initial new rules before the package of tweaks was introduced. Discussions on further changes for 2027 are ongoing. In the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, 2026, drivers from four different teams led the race before Kimi Antonelli won for Mercedes, marking his third win of 2026.

Ben Sulayem, now in office for another term as FIA President, said in Miami on May 2, 2026, that he wanted traditional V8 engines back in a few years' time. Ben Sulayem proposed a return to big, noisy traditional engines in 2025 and is now pushing for a change to Formula 1 regulations in 2030 or 2031.

Four-time champion Max Verstappen has expressed strong dislike for the increased electrical power focus.

Abc reported that the political landscape has changed in relation to electric vehicles, with the Trump administration imposing tighter rules on charger networks and the European Union rethinking a planned ban on new internal combustion-powered cars from 2035.

FIA's top F1 regulations official, Nikolas Tombazis, stated that automakers had previously indicated they would phase out internal combustion engines but the situation has evolved. Ben Sulayem emphasized that the FIA would be more free to act without manufacturer agreement for 2031.

Tombazis said the FIA cannot be hostage to automotive companies' decisions and wants them involved but must protect the sport. Using sustainably sourced fuel, as F1 does from this season, would align with environmental goals in a V8 return. The boom in F1's popularity over the last decade provides leverage in these discussions.