FIA president targets 'crowning achievement' with another major F1 change

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is adamant the return to F1 of V8 engines "is happening," which he claims would be the 'crowning achievement' of his term in office.

F1 has yet to usher in the new 2026 power units, which include a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrification, the removal of the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit - Heat), and a switch to 100 per cent sustainable fuels, yet Ben Sulayem is already planning another major change for F1.

The new-for-2026 changes have resulted in Audi joining F1 for the first time in its illustrious history; the return of Honda, who will partner Aston Martin; the return of Ford in partnership with Red Bull Powertrains as it gears up for its engine manufacturer debut, whilst GM will power 11th team Cadillac from 2028 following an initial two-year supply deal from Ferrari for the American outfit.

The new PU, however, could be a short-term proposition as Ben Sulayem sees a revised V8, last used in F1 from 2006-2013, as the way forward for the sport, believing there are numerous positives for all concerned.

"Making the hybrid is one thing, but the combustion engine is where we also have to look," said Ben Sulayem, speaking to a small group of select media, including RacingNews365.

"Is one team going to run away with it [next season]? That's where the FIA has to be fair, because if newcomers enter, we have to embrace and protect them before we think of other new people coming.

"And if we do that, the key is to make it cheaper, and there are so many areas to make it cheaper, with fuel, and a single supplier for so many things that we have to look into because now the teams are realising that it [F1] is getting very expensive.

"When I brought up V6, V8, V10 or V12, it was an idea, and it [the response] was like, 'They're not going to do it fair', and, 'What if they don't approve it?' Is the FIA going to run out of business? No.

"But the right thing for them [the F1 teams] is to sustain the business. The current engine is so complicated, you have no idea, and it is costly. R&D is reaching 200 million, and the engine is costing approximately 1.8 to 2.1, so if we go with a straight V8, let's see.

"Many of the manufacturers are producing V8s with their cars, so commercially, it's correct. How much is it? It drops 50 per cent in everything.

"That's how you sustain what you have, and the teams can afford it. It becomes much cheaper, is lighter by 90 to 100 kilograms, which means we can add more safety.

"The worst thing for a driver is weight, so the car will be smaller, better, and then the sound, you will have everything. So that is the way to go.

"So for us, the V8 is happening. With the teams, I'm very optimistic, happy about it. FOM is supportive, and the teams are realising it is the right way.

"The only thing we have to tweak is...who cares if it's a 2.5 [litre], 2.6, three-litre? It's a V8 or a V10, depending on the teams. We consult with them, and then we listen to them."

2029 target set

As to how quickly Ben Sulayem could usher in a new V8 era remains to be seen. Whilst discussions over a return may have started with FOM and the teams, he now has a re-election campaign to run after former chief F1 steward Tim Mayer last week announced he would stand against the Emirati . The election will take place in December.

"We need to do it soon, and when I say soon, 2026 is coming," said Ben Sulayem. "You need three years, so hopefully by 2029 we will have something there, but the fuel is also very expensive, and we have to be very careful with that. Transmissions are very expensive.

"We're discussing, and if it won't happen, then the FIA won't do it."

Asked whether it would be his "crowning achievement" of his FIA presidency if V8s did return, he replied: "Oh yes, because it is the right thing to do to sustain the business. Not everyone can afford it in Formula 1.

"Look at rallying. We are bringing sustainable fuel, and we are removing the electrification.

"What do we need? What is our target? Is it electrification? No, it's about reaching the numbers when it comes to the environment.

"If we can reach it this way, that way. Who cares? To me, we feel we are on the right track."