There’s been plenty of speculation about a potential V8 comeback in Formula 1, with both the FIA president and the F1 CEO speaking positively about the idea. But fans hoping to once again hear the roar of V8 power units will likely be left waiting.
From next year, F1 will introduce a fresh set of technical regulations that bring major changes to the power unit. The cars will stick with V6 hybrids, but with a much greater emphasis on electrical power, making them cheaper and more attractive to manufacturers.
Interestingly, it was only after these new rules were confirmed that talk of a possible V8 return began to gain traction.
F1 will not see V8 engines until 2031
Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, it was expected that the FIA, FOM, and the manufacturers would gather in London to discuss the potential return of V8 power units by 2029 or 2030. But on Friday, it was confirmed that the talks had been pushed back — and the timeline shifted. Any serious discussions are now being aimed at the 2031 season.
During a round-table session, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was pressed on the plans and the possibility of reintroducing V8 engines to Formula 1.
“Yes, with the team now, I’m very optimistic, happy about it, and FOM (Formula One Management) is supportive,” Ben Sulayem said.
“The teams are realising that it is the right way.”
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Formula 1 and the FIA have made sustainability their top priority. From 2026, the sport’s V6 engines will run on 100% sustainable fuels, with half of their power output coming from the electrical component.
Some argue that F1 could go even further by removing the hybrid system altogether, creating space for larger combustion engines while still keeping costs in check with sustainable fuels. That idea has sparked growing support from veteran drivers and F1 legends, many of whom have backed a return to V8 power.
But for fans longing for the roar of those engines, such a change remains a distant prospect.
Why is the FIA delaying the return of V8 engines
Although both FOM and the FIA are open to bringing back V8 engines, significant hurdles remain.
The biggest resistance comes from the manufacturers. Honda and Audi, in particular, are understood to be unhappy with any shift before 2031, having already poured substantial resources into research and development for the 2026 power units.
Addressing the issue during the same roundtable, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said:
“When I brought up V6, V8, V10, or V12, it was an idea… it’s to sustain the business. The current engine is so complicated, you have no idea. And it is costly. R&D is reaching $200 million.
“An engine is costing approximately 1.8 to 2.1 million [dollars], so if we go on with a straight V8, many of the manufacturer and OEMS produce V8s in their cars, so commercially, it’s correct.”
With teams and manufacturers having already invested hundreds of millions into R&D for the 2026 power units, an early switch would leave them without sufficient return on their investment. To protect those interests, the FIA has opted to hold off, delaying any potential V8 comeback for at least five years, with discussions now focused on 2031.
