Ben Sulayem reiterates push for V8 return with pointed message

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is not backing away from his vision for Formula 1's future. The FIA president has once again called for the sport to return to naturally aspirated V8 engines by 2031 at the latest.

As the sport begins to look beyond the current rules era and toward the post-2030 landscape, Ben Sulayem argues that Formula 1 should move beyond the complex turbo-hybrid era and embrace a powertrain formula that is lighter, less expensive and more emotionally engaging for fans.

Ben Sulayem’s latest reiteration comes at a time when early political positioning is already underway for the next generation of power units.

“I am committed to bringing V8s back to Formula 1,” he wrote on social media. “Ideally by 2030, but certainly by 2031 as part of the next FIA regulations cycle.

“V8s are lighter, simpler and more cost-effective, while sustainable fuels mean they can remain aligned with our environmental ambitions.

“Most importantly, they bring back the unique, visceral sound that fans around the world associate with Formula 1.”

His argument continues to centre on cost reduction, simplification, and fan experience – three themes that increasingly contrast with the technical complexity of the current hybrid era.

Manufacturers begin to weigh the next step

While the current generation of engines remains locked in for the remainder of the decade, although adjustments to combustion engine-electric balance are expected for 2027, the discussion around what follows is already beginning to take shape behind the scenes.

Some manufacturers, including those who committed heavily to hybrid technology, have signalled openness to alternative concepts for the future.

Audi, in particular, has indicated a willingness to engage in any direction the sport may take, provided the regulatory framework remains stable and competitive.

“Certainly Audi will be collaborative to the discussion,” said Mattia Binotto. “Audi is part of Formula 1 and is willing to remain in Formula 1 for long.

“So certainly we will be part, and I would say a proactive, positive part of the discussion, making sure that we identify and define the proper regulation for the future.

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“Formula 1 will remain the pinnacle of the technology because that's part of the DNA,” he added. “Whether the format is V6 or V8, I don't think that's somehow a detail.”

“At the end, certainly for Audi, high efficiency engines are important. But on the other side, and I think that's one of the elements of the FIA president's proposal, we need to reduce the cost of the power unit.”

For now, Formula 1 remains committed to its current hybrid formula.

But with the FIA president continuing to advocate strongly for a return to simpler, louder engines, and manufacturers already preparing for the next political cycle, the battle over the sport’s long-term engine identity is quietly beginning to take shape well before the next rulebook is written.

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