Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has backed the possibility of V8 engines returning to F1, revealing that he believes the chances are “quite big” as discussions continue with the FIA over the championship’s future power-unit direction. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been pushing the concept, which would combine V8 engines with sustainable fuels and could potentially be introduced around 2030.
No decision has yet been made and the details remain to be agreed, but Stefano Domenicali’s public support represents another significant indication that Formula 1 and the FIA are seriously considering a different direction for the championship’s future engine regulations.
Could V8 engines really return to Formula 1?
Over recent months, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has proposed the possibility of bringing V8 engines back to Formula 1 with sustainable fuels. The idea has been welcomed by many fans and, in particular, by a number of drivers.
According to the FIA President’s suggested timeline, such a change could potentially happen around 2030. However, nothing has yet been officially confirmed and discussions remain ongoing over Formula 1’s longer-term technical direction.
Stefano Domenicali backs the F1 V8 engine proposal
Negotiations between the FIA and Formula 1 are continuing, and Stefano Domenicali appears genuinely optimistic about the possibility of seeing V8 engines return to the championship.
“I think it is quite concrete,” Stefano Domenicali told De Telegraaf. “The FIA president really wants it and we support him. Of course, all the details still need to be defined, but I think we are all heading in the right direction.”
Such a change would represent a major shift for Formula 1 after years of increasingly complex hybrid power units. However, the concept being discussed would not simply recreate the V8 era of the past, as sustainable fuels would remain a central element of the proposal.
2026 power units have changed the F1 engine debate
The debate has gained further momentum following the introduction of Formula 1’s new power-unit regulations for the 2026 season. The current technical package has not been particularly popular with drivers, helping to fuel discussion over what direction the championship should take next.
The present generation continues to rely on turbo-hybrid technology, with a significantly larger electrical contribution than before. Against that backdrop, the idea of moving back towards an engine with a greater combustion component has attracted increasing attention.
For Ferrari, the current power-unit framework remains especially important as the team continues working to close the performance gap to its rivals. The latest FIA ADUO rankings highlighted Ferrari’s position relative to the leading power units, while further development remains part of the Scuderia’s 2026 programme.
Domenicali promises to listen to Formula 1 drivers
Stefano Domenicali also stressed that the views of Formula 1 drivers should be taken seriously as the championship considers its future technical direction.
“I always listen to the drivers, they are our crown jewels,” Stefano Domenicali added. “I have always said it and I will continue to say it. If we look at the current engines, we must not forget that these models came from the manufacturers.”
“Years ago, they wanted to go in this direction and for us it was essentially take it or leave it. The world evolves, and so does the sport.”
His comments underline how Formula 1’s engine regulations have historically been shaped not only by sporting considerations but also by the interests of manufacturers. The current generation of power units was developed with strong manufacturer involvement, but the debate around the next cycle suggests priorities may evolve again.
What an F1 V8 return could mean for Ferrari
For Ferrari, any eventual return to V8 engines would represent another major change in Formula 1’s power-unit philosophy. The Maranello manufacturer has competed across several eras of engine technology and is currently focused on maximising the performance of its 2026 package.
In the short term, Ferrari’s attention remains on development under the existing regulations. The team is preparing further power-unit progress for its home race, with the ADUO-2 evolution planned for Monza as the Scuderia looks for additional performance against Mercedes and its other rivals.
The possibility of V8 engines returning around 2030 remains only a proposal for now. However, with Mohammed Ben Sulayem pushing the idea and Stefano Domenicali openly supporting the direction, the prospect has become a serious part of the discussion over Formula 1’s future beyond the current regulatory cycle.
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