FIA president issues update on V8 engine return plan

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has delivered an update on the status of a return to V8 engines in Formula 1's future.

In the opening months of 2026, Ben Sulayem floated the possibility of seeing V8 engines return to the sport, with the naturally aspirated units last used in the 2013 season before they were replaced by the current turbo-hybrid V6 formula.

Several teams have voiced their support for the idea and the engines could return in the early 2030s, with 2031 at the latest acting as a regulatory backstop.

The plan has come about as F1 looks to its next era following the introduction of new power units in 2026, which have generated a raft of complaints from drivers and teams over electrical dependence and energy management concerns.

"We do make mistakes. We do have loopholes like the teams," Ben Sulayem told Viaplay.

"But one thing that we will always do is we raise our hand and we fix it.

"If you look at the race when it started at the beginning of the year and you see that there wasn't enough competition, now you can see that competition.

"You can see the difference is not that much. The FIA became involved. The FIA also studies all the information that comes back, all the complaints.

"At the end of the day, you have the manufacturers, the PUMs, a super majority is four out of six, and then you have the teams to make sure that motorsport is being competitive and fair."

Ben Sulayem has stated that the FIA is in active dialogue with teams as it maps out the future of its regulations.

"Going back to the V8, we have to see what are the objectives? Why? I feel there is a need of a fresh white paper engine that hits all the points," he said.

"One thing is the sound for the fans, it's so important to us, simplicity, and cost effectiveness.

"There is 100% sustainability with sustainable fuel, but then we will have and just calculating now with the teams.

"We are consulting with the teams, with the PUMs, and also with the drivers. It's important. It's not me, it's not the teams. It's the drivers who are driving these cars."