Formula 1 will return to the use of V8 engines and could do so earlier than expected, according to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The V8 was ditched in 2014 in place of the V6 — and has continued to be used in 2026, albeit with a 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power.
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This season’s engines have been criticised by fans and drivers — with four-time champion Max Verstappen likening the style of racing to “Mario Kart”.
And while small changes were made prior to last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, many of the drivers are calling for more radical alterations.
Ben Sulayem, chief of the FIA, the governing body for world motorsport, has now revealed one major move that will take place in the coming years is the long-awaited return to V8 engines.
This can be done unopposed by the FIA in 2031 — but could also happen as early as 2030 if the power unit manufacturers vote for it.
As reported by RacingNews365, Ben Sulayem said: “It’s coming (the switch back to V8 engines).
“In 2031, the FIA will have the power to do it, without any votes from the PUMs [power unit manufacturers]. That’s the regulations.
“But we want to bring it one year earlier, which everyone [externally] now is asking for. When you try to tell them [the PUMs] they say no, but what will come, will come, and it [the power] will come back to the FIA.
“I’m targeting 2030. One year before the maturity [of the regulations]. It will happen.”
Ben Sulayem, who has ruled out a return to a V10 era, claims the power unit manufactures are keen on the V8 engines returning to the sport, meaning we could see the radical switch 12 months sooner than expected.
“They (the power unit manufactures) want it to happen,” he added. “But, let’s say the manufacturers don’t [vote for it], then one more year and it will be done. It’s not a matter of, ‘Do I need their support?’ No, it will be done. V8 is coming.
“Let’s not talk about the technical side of it, let’s talk about the mission of it.
“The mission will be less complication, not like now. When the MGU-H was there before, it was there to serve a purpose, but none of the manufacturers benefited from it in the real world.
“Now, with just the MGU-K, it’s the same engine. It’s turbo, it’s 1.6 litre.”
The 2026 F1 season is four races deep, with Kimi Antonelli claiming his third successive win in Miami.
Next up is the Canadian Grand Prix on May 25 (AEST), before the paddock moves to Europe for the famous Monaco GP in June.