Formula 1 is preparing to shift to a new engine era in 2026 featuring updated 1.6-litre V6 hybrid power units that exclude the MGU-H and use fully sustainable fuels. However, FIA president Ben Sulayem has now confirmed that the sport is seriously considering a return to simpler combustion engines, including the possible revival of V8 engines, for the 2029 season to address complexity and cost concerns.
Speaking at the British Grand Prix weekend in Silverstone, Sulayem stated,
“To us, the V8 is happening,”
reflecting strong backing from both teams and Formula One Management (FOM). He added,
“With the teams now, I’m very optimistic, [and] happy about it. FOM (Formula One Management) are supportive, the teams are realising it is the right way.”
Current Engine Complexity and Costs Drive the Push for Simpler Power Units
The existing 1.6-litre turbo hybrid engines, introduced in 2014, have come under criticism for their extreme complexity and high development costs. Sulayem highlighted that manufacturers are investing nearly $200 million USD per season in research and development, while each power unit can cost about $2 million USD.
“The current engine is so complicated, you have no idea, and it is costly,”
he remarked.
Pointing out the financial strain, Sulayem explained the potential benefits of switching to a V8 format, noting,
“Many of the manufacturers produce V8s in their cars, so commercially it’s correct. How much is it? You drop it. The target is more than 50 percent in everything.”
A return to V8 engines would also reduce the weight of power units and restore the iconic loud engine sounds that Formula 1 fans have missed since the hybrid era began, directly tackling long-standing complaints about the quieter current engines.
Balancing Costs and Technology: Fuel and Transmission Challenges
Sulayem emphasized the importance of timing due to engineering demands, stating,
“We need to do it soon… you need three years, so hopefully by 2029 we have something there, but the fuel is also very expensive, and we have to be very careful with that.”
In addition to engine design, he highlighted that transmissions are also major cost drivers.
“Transmissions are very expensive. So, really, that is the way to go. It’s cutting costs,”
he said. This focus on cost reduction reflects the financial pressures on many F1 teams, contradicting the perception that the sport operates without budget limitations. According to Sulayem,
“People think that Formula 1 is unlimited money, but not all the teams. So this is something now we are having the buy-in.”
History and Future Outlook for Formula 1 Engine Regulations
Formula 1 previously ran naturally aspirated V8 engines from 2006 until 2013, when regulations shifted to more efficient 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid V6 engines. This transition aligned with goals for greater environmental responsibility and attracted manufacturers such as Honda. Despite this success, the current power units have widened the performance gap among teams and increased development costs, challenging smaller independent outfits.
The 2026 regulations will further evolve hybrid technology with a stronger emphasis on electrification and sustainable fuels, attracting new and returning manufacturers including Audi, Ford, Honda, and General Motors. Sulayem acknowledges this progress but stresses the need to look beyond hybrids.
“Making the hybrid is one thing, but the combustion engine is where we also have to look,”
he said.
Ensuring Fair Competition and Sustainable Growth in Formula 1
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Sulayem raised concerns about potential domination by a single team, stating,
“Is one team going to run away with it [next season]? That’s where the FIA has to be fair, because if newcomers enter, we have to embrace and protect them before we think of other new people coming.”
Driving cost efficiency is a central goal, as Sulayem explained:
“And if we do that, the key is to make it cheaper, and there are so many areas to make it cheaper, with fuel, and a single supplier for so many things that we have to look into because now the teams are realising that it [F1] is getting very expensive.”
This approach aims to maintain competitive balance, encourage new manufacturers’ participation, and ensure Formula 1 remains financially viable for all competitors as it moves into a new technical and environmental era.
Our Reader’s Queries
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A. In Formula 1, the number 17 is unique as it is the only retired driver number. This honor remembers Jules Bianchi, a French racer. Bianchi was using number 17 when he had a tragic crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
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A. Lewis Hamilton is a British race car driver who competes in Formula One for Mercedes. He used to race for McLaren. Openly, he talks about his experiences with ADHD and explores his various interests and passions.
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Q. What F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, whose full name is Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton MBE HonFREng, was born in 1985. He is a British racing driver in Formula One, currently with the Mercedes team, and has also raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly shares his experiences living with ADHD and explores his various interests and hobbies.