Overview
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem publicly targeted 2029 for the reintroduction of naturally aspirated V8 engines ahead of the 2026 hybrid regulations.
- He said switching from complex 1.6-litre V6 hybrids could reduce R&D and per-unit costs by more than 50%.
- Ben Sulayem highlighted that V8 units would shed up to 100 kilograms, improving packaging and safety margins.
- The proposal has backing from Formula One Management and the teams but requires a supermajority of manufacturers plus FIA approval.
- F1 will launch new power units in 2026 with a 50/50 split between combustion and electrification, removal of the MGU-H, and 100% sustainable fuel as the grid expands to include Cadillac and consider a Chinese entrant.