Return to V8 F1 engines to be discussed by FIA and manufacturers

Formula 1’s power unit manufacturers and its governing body the FIA are set for the next round of talks on the series’ next engine formula.

F1 is moving to new power units in 2026 with a near 50/50 split of internal combustion power and electric energy, but meanwhile the FIA’s focus is already on what comes next as it remains concerned over the high cost, complexity and weight of the hybrid power units.

Having commissioned a meeting with all power unit OEMs involved at the Bahrain Grand Prix in April, Motorsport.com has learned the FIA is organising a follow-up meeting on Thursday 11 September in London to discuss the next steps.

It is understood the main proposal on the table is a move towards a simplified 2.4-litre V8 engine – with or without turbocharger – using sustainable fuels, complemented by a much smaller and simplified KERS-style hybrid component compared to the current MGU-K system.

“To us, the V8 is happening,” Ben Sulayem said at July’s British Grand Prix. “With the teams now, I’m very optimistic, happy about it. FOM [Formula One Management] are supportive, the teams are realising it is the right way.

Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images

“We need to do it soon. You need three years, so hopefully by 2029 we have something there, but the fuel is also very expensive, and we have to be very careful with that.”

But while Ben Sulayem is keen to introduce the new engine formula as soon as possible, it is understood most car manufacturers are much more hesitant to change engine formulas within three years of introducing the 2026 engines, which are yet to be run.

While the 2026 power units do away with the complex MGU-H element, designing and building all-new power units from scratch has still been a hugely costly exercise, coupled with the expensive development of the sustainable fuels that will be introduced alongside them.

Motorsport.com understands most engine manufacturers are not against the idea of a simplified V8 engine, but they feel either 2030 or the original 2031 plan would be a more sensible timeline.

There is also some unease in certain quarters over all the V8 chatter overshadowing the work has been done on the impressively efficient 2026 units.

Another point on the agenda is the escalating cost of sustainable fuels, with ideas to be exchanged on how to make the new biofuels more cost effective to produce from 2027 onwards, although there is also a sentiment that developing cutting-edge technology was always going to come with an expensive initial price tag before costs are driven down.