FIA Eyes V8 Formula 1 Engines for 2029

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has advocated for Formula 1 to consider a return to naturally-aspirated V8 engines with fully sustainable fuels and a simpler hybrid system as early as 2029. He cited the high complexity and cost of the current 1.6-litre V6 hybrids, with R&D costs at $200 million and engines costing up to $2.1 million each. Ben Sulayem noted increased support from Formula One Management and teams for this change, highlighting advantages such as lower costs, reduced weight, and the return of the distinctive V8 sound. He stressed that any move would require broad stakeholder agreement and retention of electrification and sustainable fuels. The possibility of grid expansion with a Chinese team in the 12th slot was also mentioned, with a focus on ensuring new entrants add value. No formal talks on new engines or teams have taken place since a major meeting in Bahrain earlier this year.