Despite the ongoing plans to make Formula 1 increasingly electrified in the coming years, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has made a surprising statement that changes the tone of the current narrative. On the eve of the 2025 British Grand Prix, Mohammed Ben Sulayem declared that the return of V8 engines is part of the FIA’s long-term vision for the sport.
This comes even as the 2026 Formula 1 regulations are already set to increase the proportion of electrification, with the next generation of hybrid power units continuing to use V6 internal combustion engines, but with a more balanced division of power output between the internal combustion engine and electric motor components.
Although there have been persistent rumors and speculation about a potential return to naturally aspirated V10 engines or revised, simplified regulations, an emergency meeting held during the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this year confirmed that the current roadmap will go ahead as planned. The upcoming hybrid engine formula will debut in 2026 as expected. These rumors had caused concern among several major manufacturers—such as Audi—who entered the sport with a strong commitment to electrification and technological advancement.
V8 comeback to reduce costs and bring more spectacle to Formula 1
However, the core issue remains the high cost of the current hybrid power units. Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized how the current powertrain architecture has become unsustainably expensive, particularly when factoring in the research and development phase. According to Ben Sulayem, over 200 million US dollars are being spent solely on engine development, with each hybrid power unit reportedly costing more than 2 million dollars per unit.
“For us, the V8 will happen,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated confidently. “I am optimistic, and even the teams now understand that it is the right direction to take.” In his view, a return to V8 engines would not only make the sport more affordable and technically simpler, but also restore a stronger connection to road-relevant technology. “It would be cheaper, more straightforward, and also more commercially relevant for road cars. Our goal is to reduce costs by more than 50%,” he explained.
The FIA president also touched on the idea of expanding the Formula 1 grid to include a 12th team, as permitted by the regulations. However, he stressed that this would only be considered if it adds tangible value to the sport. “We will not do it just for the sake of it. Any new team must bring real value to the Formula 1 business,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem concluded.
The announcement has reignited debate over the future direction of Formula 1. While the electrification push continues, the idea of a return to simpler, louder, and more visceral engines could prove popular among fans, team principals, and stakeholders alike. As discussions continue behind the scenes, the possibility of the V8’s comeback adds a bold and unexpected twist to the sport’s future narrative.
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