FIA and manufacturers enter talks over return of iconic F1 engine

Formula 1 is on the brink of major regulation changes, particularly concerning power units. Starting next year, it’s already confirmed that teams will race with a new generation of engines, where the hybrid component will account for roughly half of the total power output.  Development of these new power units has cost engine manufacturers around $1 billion—making any reversal of this direction virtually impossible. However, there has been increasing speculation about a potential return of the V8 engine, which was used in Formula 1 from 2006 to 2013.  FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been one of the main advocates for bringing the V8s back, although reintroducing a purely internal combustion engine appears highly unlikely given F1's push towards sustainability. F1 has traditionally served as a testing ground for innovation in the automotive industry—but whether that role can or should continue with V8 or even V10 engines is up for debate.  Modern road cars have little use for such engines, which limits their relevance in terms of technological development.  Due to this, it remains unclear where manufacturers like Audi stand on a possible return to V8s, and Honda’s position is equally unknown. Given this uncertainty, it seems likely that hybrid systems will remain a central feature of F1 engines going forward. Following the Italian Grand Prix, representatives from the FIA and engine manufacturers will meet to discuss the path ahead.  With growing concerns over skyrocketing costs and the increasing complexity of current engine technology, discussions around a new engine formula are already gaining serious traction. Speaking to select media including RacingNews365 , Ben Sulayem previously said the following about this: "If it is up to us, there will be [a V8 engine]. I am very optimistic and happy about it.  "The FOM supports us and also the teams realise that this is the best option. We have to do it as soon as possible. 2026 is coming up. You need three years. So hopefully by 2029 we will have something."