In an exclusive interview with Canal+, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem reaffirmed his desire to bring V8 engines back to Formula 1, with an ideal target date of 2030 or, at the latest, 2031.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has never hidden his admiration for V8 powerplants. During the interview, he made his position clear by emphasizing the need to preserve the passion and excitement that have always defined Formula 1: “We have to preserve the love for this sport,” he said.
According to the FIA President, the current hybrid power units have made Formula 1 cars excessively complex, expensive and heavy, moving the category away from some of the characteristics that historically made it so appealing to fans around the world.
The goal: lighter and more exciting cars
One of the central themes of Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s vision concerns the weight of modern Formula 1 machinery.
Today’s cars weigh more than 800 kilograms, a figure that many drivers and engineers have highlighted as a challenge in recent years. The FIA President has therefore set himself an ambitious objective.
“My target is 630 kilograms,” he explained.
A simpler V8 engine architecture could play a significant role in helping Formula 1 move closer to that target, producing cars that are lighter, more agile and more enjoyable to drive. Mohammed Ben Sulayem also outlined some of the technical characteristics he would like to see in the future engine formula.
“You would have power from an ICE producing around 760 horsepower, with only 10% electrification. That would provide the right sound.”
In his view, such a solution would also deliver major economic benefits: “It would be much cheaper, with lower research and development costs. A lighter engine, more fun, and with the right sound for the spectators.”
The sound of Formula 1 engines has long been a topic of debate since the introduction of the hybrid era in 2014, with many fans continuing to express nostalgia for the louder and more emotional engine notes of previous generations.
Sustainability remains part of the plan
While advocating a return to V8 engines, Mohammed Ben Sulayem stressed that environmental commitments would remain an important part of Formula 1’s future.
He explained that any future V8 formula would continue to rely on sustainable fuels, allowing the championship to maintain its environmental objectives while simplifying the overall power unit concept. This approach reflects Formula 1’s broader strategy of combining performance with technological innovation and sustainability.
A deadline for teams and manufacturers
On the subject of timing, Mohammed Ben Sulayem noted that the decision will naturally become easier once the current power unit agreements expire in 2031.
However, he also made it clear that the FIA would be willing to move more quickly if the stakeholders involved reached a consensus sooner.
“If they want to decide within a year, we would be more than happy to do that,” he said.
The statement effectively places the ball in the court of the teams and power unit manufacturers, while simultaneously sending a strong signal about the FIA’s preferred direction for the future of Formula 1.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem reiterated the importance of maintaining open dialogue with both teams and engine suppliers. Nevertheless, his overall message was unmistakable: Formula 1 must continue seeking the right balance between technology, costs, safety and, above all, emotion.
With these comments, the FIA President has once again ignited the debate surrounding Formula 1’s long-term technical future. While no final decision has yet been made, the possibility of hearing the roar of V8 engines return to circuits around the world is no longer being discussed as a distant dream, but as a realistic option that could shape the next era of the sport.
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