All that’s missing is official confirmation, but Formula 1 is ready to return to V8 engines, confirmed by Ben Sulayem himself.
The official decision on the next regulation change for Formula 1 will arrive this summer, but the return to V8 engines seems very close, perhaps even just a step away. This was confirmed by the Federation‘s president, Ben Sulayem, who, in a recent interview, confirmed the reintroduction of naturally aspirated engines starting in 2031. The issue has been on the table for some time, and now, given the numerous doubts surrounding electric motors, the return of the V8 seems very close.
Here are Ben Sulayem: “In 2031, the FIA will have the power to do so, without the need for a vote from the engine manufacturers. This is the regulation, of course, but we want to bring it forward by a year, which is something everyone is asking for now. When we try to tell the PUM, they say no, but what has to happen will happen, and power will return to the FIA.”
The Federation’s leader then added: “The mission will be less complicated than it is now. When the MGU-H was present in the past, it had a very specific purpose, but none of the manufacturers actually took advantage of it. Now, with only the MGU-K, the engine is the same. It’s turbocharged, it’s a 1.6-liter. “The most popular and easiest to manage is the V8. It offers a nice sound, less complexity, and is lightweight. You’ll hear about it very soon, and it will involve minimal electrification, but the main change will be the engine. It won’t be like now, with a 46-54 split. There will be very little electric power.”
The decision, according to Ben Sulayem, will not be strictly linked to the wishes of individual teams: “The V8 engine is seen (in road cars) on Ferrari, Mercedes, Audi, and Cadillac. It is found on most manufacturers, and this allows us to build a lightweight car. I am aiming for 2030, one year before the new regulations fully come into force.”
Photo: F1.com, Scuderia Ferrari HP
