Speaking at the recently concluded 2026 Miami Grand Prix, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed a change many fans have been asking for: a return to V8 engines in Formula 1. The switch is set to take effect in 2031, but could come earlier with enough push from engine suppliers.
Ben Sulayem had previously advocated for a return to larger combustion engines, but was met with pushback each time. However, mounting criticisms against the current regulations appear to be softening resistance against the FIA president’s efforts.
V8s were last seen in Formula 1 from 2006 to 2013, an era headlined by Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, and a young Lewis Hamilton. The naturally aspirated V8s were succeeded by the turbo V6 hybrids, with the current iteration having power output split almost equally between electric and combustion power.
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The current regulations have been heavily criticized by fans and drivers alike, citing factors such as the complexity of managing both power sources while racing, a convoluted ruleset with follow-up tweaks, and an overall lacking sense of excitement. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has even gone on record to call them “Formula E on steroids.”
“The mission will be less complication, not like now,” commented Ben Sulayem on the upcoming return to V8s. Hybrids in F1, however, look like they’re here to stay, with the FIA president describing the implementation with V8s as “very, very minor electrification.”
As it stands, the FIA has the power to enforce the adoption of new regulations with V8 engines come 2031. However, if four out of the six power unit manufacturers—Mercedes-AMG, Ferrari, Red Bull–Ford, Honda, Audi, and General Motors—agree to switch earlier, the rule change can be applied as early as 2030.
Speaking on the 11 current teams’ input on the situation, Ben Sulayem said: “I’m positive, they want it to happen. But let’s say the manufacturers don’t approve it. The next year, it will happen. In 2031, it’s done, anyway. It will be done. V8 is coming.
“At the end of the day, it’s a matter of time.”
