FIA exploring potential for new 'independent' F1 engine

The FIA is exploring the possibility of creating an "FIA-selected engine" for current F1 customer teams to reduce the power of manufacturers.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has signalled his intention for grand prix racing to return to V8 engines for its next regulatory cycle, due to begin in either 2030 or 2031, with talks taking place over how to design the rules.

One proposal being discussed is the creation of an "FIA-selected engine", akin to an off-the-shelf Cosworth design used by the likes of HRT, Caterham, and Virgin Racing when the new teams joined ahead of the 2010 season. 

Part of the rationale behind this would also be to reduce the power engine manufacturers could hold over their customer teams.

On the 2026 grid, Mercedes HPP units supply Mercedes, McLaren, Alpine, and Williams, with Ferrari supplying Ferrari, Cadillac, and Haas.

Red Bull Powertrains supplies Red Bull GmbH's two teams, Red Bull and Racing Bulls, with Audi a works operation with Aston Martin a quasi-works outfit with Honda.

"There will be no control over the ⁠teams, A-team ​over the B-team, that's supplied with their engines," Ben Sulayem is quoted as saying by Reuters.

"If it ​is affordable, then we will have one engine for the rest of the B-teams, so nobody can leverage them and tell them to 'vote this ​way, or we are not going to give you a good engine'."

As the V8 engine regulations continue to be mapped out, Ben Sulayem also raised the possibility of the reintroduction of refuelling, last used in F1 in 2009.

"The refuelling we are studying as we speak," he added.

"It's not a concern if you do it in the right way. So we are studying this. Nothing is being done yet.

"Refuelling with sustainable fuel with electrification. Maybe we look at giving more than 10% electrification. Really, we are still open."