Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur claims F1 is close to brokering a deal on the sport's next engine regulations - even before the latest systems have run in anger.
For next season, F1 ushers in a new power unit (PU) with increased battery power, incorporating a 50-50 split between electrical and thermal power distribution, whilst also running on 100% sustainable fuels.
Whilst Renault leaves F1 at the end of this season, the latest rules have enticed Audi to enter the series for the first time, Honda to return, and Red Bull to develop its own powertrains division in partnership with Ford.
But there has been a degree of unease over the racing the new systems are likely to reduce, with lap times likely to be significantly reduced due to the level of energy saving required.
It has prompted talks this year over introducing a new PU heading into the next decade. The five manufacturers were due to meet with F1 and the FIA this past week, only for it to be postponed.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been known to be keen on a return to V8s, running on 100% sustainable fuels. He had hoped to see the introduction of that PU as early as 2029, potentially 2030, but any change has been put on hold until the next rules cycle kicks in from 2031.
Asked whether the V8 proposal was 'a dead issue' until that time, speaking to the media, including RacingNews365, Vasseur said a deal is close.
"Compared to the previous changes of regulation, we are quite [far] in advance," said Vasseur. "We have discussions because it's not an easy choice.
"I think we can find a common project quite soon, let's say. But we are not in a rush to make a decision today or tomorrow.
"At the factory, everybody is focused on '26, and even if we come up with a regulation tomorrow, we won't start to work [on it].
"We have to make good choices. We have a couple of items where we can find, I think, a deal between all the PU manufacturers, the FIA, and Formula 1.
"For the benefit of F1, it makes sense to discuss and find this kind of deal."
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