Domenicali: “I’m 1000% in favour of the return of V8 engines”
Stefano Domenicali has joined Mohammed Ben Sulayem in supporting a return to V8 power units, with the FIA president suggesting the move could happen in Formula 1 by 2030 or, at the latest, 2031.
Formula 1 moves closer to a V8 comeback
This year, Formula 1 introduced one of the most significant technical revolutions in its modern history. However, many observers believe that the new direction was already facing major questions before it even reached the track, largely because it was built around a dramatic increase in the importance of electric power at a time when expectations surrounding electrification had changed considerably compared to a few years earlier.
The first concerns regarding the future engine philosophy had already emerged as early as 2022. By that stage, though, the manufacturers and the sport had already committed substantial financial resources to the project. Rather than abandoning the regulations and writing off those investments, Formula 1 chose to continue down the planned path.
The consequences of that decision are now becoming increasingly visible. Regulatory adjustments were discussed after only a handful of races, while plans are already being considered to revise the balance between internal-combustion and electrical power. Current discussions suggest the sport could move towards a 60-40 split between thermal and electric power no later than 2028, a significant shift from the original vision that shaped the 2026 regulations.
Without explicitly admitting it, many within the Formula 1 paddock appear to recognise that the planned near 50-50 power distribution for 2026 may not represent the long-term solution the sport originally envisioned.
It is therefore no surprise that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been pushing strongly for an early conclusion to the upcoming technical cycle. His goal is to accelerate the introduction of a new generation of turbocharged V8 engines powered by sustainable fuels and featuring only a limited degree of electrification.
According to the FIA president’s vision, these engines could arrive as early as 2030, one year before the current cycle would naturally come to an end. Now, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has publicly aligned himself with that position, adding further momentum to the growing debate over the future of Formula 1 power units.
Domenicali’s comments
Speaking to L’Équipe, Domenicali left no room for doubt regarding his position on the matter.
“I’m 1000% in agreement, I’ve always said so. I fully support the vision of the FIA president. With sustainable fuels, lighter cars and V8 engines, we would return to the pure essence of motorsport. That’s what I have always loved,” he said.
His comments reflect a growing sentiment among some influential figures within Formula 1 who believe that future regulations should place greater emphasis on lighter cars, simpler power units and a more emotional driving experience, while still maintaining the sport’s commitment to environmental sustainability through the use of advanced sustainable fuels.
The discussion is no longer focused solely on performance figures or technological innovation. It increasingly revolves around preserving the identity of Formula 1 and recovering some of the sound, character and excitement that many fans associate with previous generations of engines.
Ben Sulayem’s position
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been even more outspoken on the issue, speaking with confidence about the eventual return of V8 engines to the Formula 1 grid.
“It’s only a matter of time. In 2031, the FIA will have the power to make it happen without requiring any vote from the power unit manufacturers. But I want to bring it forward to 2030, which is what everyone is now asking for,” the former Ferrari team principal said.
The FIA president’s remarks underline how seriously the proposal is now being discussed at the highest levels of the sport. While no final decision has been made, the possibility of Formula 1 returning to turbocharged V8 engines running on sustainable fuel is no longer being treated as a nostalgic fantasy.
With both Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Stefano Domenicali publicly supporting the concept, the conversation surrounding Formula 1’s long-term engine future is gaining significant momentum. What once appeared to be a distant possibility is increasingly becoming a realistic scenario as the championship evaluates how best to balance sustainability, cost control, performance and fan engagement in the years ahead.
Leave a Reply