FIA president says V8 engines will return to Formula 1 in 2030

[Otto71]

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has said V8 engines will return to Formula 1 in 2030. RacingNews365 reports that he made the comments in Kigali, at the event announcing F1's return to Africa, which we covered earlier. The V8 news is the big new angle, and it would mark the end of the turbo hybrid era that began in 2014

Ben Sulayem set out three aims for the new engine formula. He wants cars about 80kg lighter, research and engine costs cut by at least 50 percent, and a better sound for fans. He said he has support from FOM and the manufacturers, which is important given how much engine rules affect team investment

The current 2026 power units split power roughly 50-50 between the combustion engine and the battery. Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have all criticised them, particularly around energy management. A simpler, lighter, louder engine would answer many of those complaints

There is some uncertainty in the timing. Ben Sulayem also said the launch can happen in 2031, so the exact year is not fully settled. Engine regulations take years to finalise, and manufacturers will want plenty of notice

For many fans, the sound of a V8 is part of what made Formula 1 special. Lighter cars should also race better and be more nimble. If the costs come down as promised, it could even attract new manufacturers into the sport

Would you welcome V8s back in Formula 1? And should sustainability still play a big part in future engine rules?

FIA president confirms when V8 engines will make F1 returnracingnews365.com

[Rabbit21]

Lighter cars matter more than the engine to me. Current cars are enormously heavy. Shedding 80kg would make them far more agile and better to race

Overtaking has been harder since the cars got so big. Smaller, lighter machines would let drivers follow more closely