Formula 1 could undergo another major technical revolution as early as 2030, with the FIA working on regulations featuring turbocharged V8 engines, significantly lighter cars and a reduced electrical component designed primarily to assist overtaking. FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis has outlined the main principles behind the proposals, including a potential 60 kg weight reduction and the possibility of bringing back DRS if additional overtaking assistance proves necessary.
The governing body’s ambition goes beyond changing the power units. It also wants more responsive, exciting cars that place fewer demands on their tyres while maintaining lap times comparable to those achieved today. Although the next regulatory cycle was initially expected to begin in 2031, the FIA has not ruled out introducing the changes a year earlier.
F1 2030 rules could introduce turbo V8 engines with reduced hybrid power
One of the most significant changes being considered concerns the engine architecture. Formula 1 is moving towards a return to turbocharged V8 engines, although the new power units would retain an electrical component and continue using sustainable fuels.
“We are aiming for a V8 with a smaller electrical component,” Nikolas Tombazis revealed. “There will still be a turbocharger, but with lower boost pressures, because we want to limit turbo lag. There will still be an element of high technology and sustainable fuel, because we believe that is very important, but we also want to protect Formula 1 from a cost spiral.”
The proposed approach reflects the FIA’s desire to simplify the current power-unit concept without abandoning the technological elements considered important to Formula 1’s future. Reducing the electrical contribution forms an essential part of that strategy, as also explored in the developing F1 turbo V8 engine proposals.
“The electric motor’s power will be lower, but during races it will mainly be used for overtaking,” Nikolas Tombazis explained. “In this way, we believe we can preserve that element.”
FIA considers possible DRS return to improve overtaking
Under the current Formula 1 regulations, electrical energy can provide an attacking driver with additional power to help overtake the car ahead. The FIA wants to retain this principle under the next generation of rules, despite the proposed reduction in electric motor output.
However, the governing body recognises that electrical assistance alone might not provide enough opportunities for overtaking. Simulations will therefore be carried out to assess the effectiveness of the new system, with the possibility of reintroducing DRS remaining available.
“Once the dust settles and we see how things develop, we can also consider whether additional assistance from DRS is needed or not,” Nikolas Tombazis said. “We have the option to do that. It is not a decision we need to make right now.”
The eventual approach to overtaking will also depend heavily on the aerodynamic characteristics and chassis design of the next generation of cars. The FIA intends to develop these elements alongside the revised power units rather than treating overtaking assistance as an isolated solution.
FIA targets at least 60 kg reduction for lighter F1 cars
Reducing the minimum weight of Formula 1 cars is another central objective of the proposed regulations. The governing body wants machinery that feels more natural and responsive to drivers, with a substantial reduction in mass considered essential to achieving that ambition.
“We want to have more exciting cars that are significantly lighter than they are now and feel more natural and responsive,” Nikolas Tombazis explained.
Although the FIA has not yet finalised the technical details, its weight-reduction ambitions are considerable.
“I don’t want to give figures, because we still need to finalise certain aspects, but our ambition is to reduce the weight of the cars by at least another 60 kg, perhaps even more,” Nikolas Tombazis revealed. “In terms of lap times, we want to remain in line with current performance. This means that if we reduce weight by this order of magnitude, we can also make a corresponding reduction on the aerodynamic side.”
Lighter cars would require less grip and therefore less aerodynamic downforce to maintain similar cornering speeds. This would give the FIA greater freedom to rethink aerodynamic performance while preserving the overall speed expected from Formula 1 machinery.
The objective also builds on the FIA’s wider plans to reduce Formula 1 car weight in the next technical cycle.
Future aerodynamics will build on the 2026 Formula 1 concept
Rather than introducing an entirely different aerodynamic philosophy, the FIA expects the next regulations to evolve from the principles established in 2026. Nikolas Tombazis believes the current generation represents a stronger foundation for reducing the aerodynamic disturbance experienced by drivers following another car.
“I think the concept we introduced in 2026 is more robust than those of previous years,” Nikolas Tombazis said. “We have learned a great deal from the past, and I expect the aerodynamic concept to be an evolution of the current one.”
Maintaining that philosophy while reducing weight and downforce could influence how closely cars can follow each other through corners. The combination of chassis design, aerodynamic efficiency and electrical overtaking assistance will therefore be central to the FIA’s plans.
Why lighter cars could reduce tyre degradation and improve racing
Another expected benefit of reducing car weight concerns tyre behaviour. With less mass to support, the tyres would experience lower loads and potentially generate less heat, reducing the amount of tyre management required from drivers during races.
This could create a positive chain reaction. Less tyre degradation would allow drivers to push harder for longer, potentially encouraging more sustained battles rather than forcing them to conserve their tyres.
“All of this should also lead to more favourable tyre behaviour in terms of degradation and, in our view, would encourage more exciting battles during races,” Nikolas Tombazis explained. “We have different tools available for overtaking, both in terms of energy and DRS.”
The FIA’s intention is therefore to improve racing through several interconnected changes, rather than relying exclusively on one overtaking aid. Lower weight, revised aerodynamics, more manageable tyres and electrical assistance could all contribute to the final package.
Could the new Formula 1 regulations arrive in 2030 instead of 2031?
The final unresolved question concerns when the next technical revolution will begin. Although 2031 has long been considered the intended starting point for the new regulations, the FIA is now discussing whether implementation could be brought forward to 2030.
“We have not yet decided whether these changes will happen in 2030 or 2031,” Nikolas Tombazis confirmed. “We are still discussing it.”
For Ferrari and the other Formula 1 teams, the eventual decision will determine when another substantial transition in engine and chassis design takes place. The proposed changes could bring a very different technical direction from the Ferrari aerodynamic and technical developments associated with the current generation of regulations.
What is already clear is the FIA’s broader ambition: a future Formula 1 built around lighter, more responsive cars, turbocharged V8 engines with a smaller electrical contribution, sustainable fuels and racing that gives drivers greater freedom to attack.
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