How F1 will change in 2030s with new V8 engines introduced: ‘Watch this space’
The sport has faced intense criticism from drivers and fans alike after the introduction of electric batteries this season
Formula 1 looks set to switch back to V8 engines for the next engine regulation cycle, starting in either 2030 or 2031.
As reported by BBC Sport, the sport’s governing body, the FIA, has sent a proposal document for the simpler, louder engines to the sport’s six manufacturers: Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull-Ford, Audi, Honda and General Motors.
The sport has not used V8 engines since the 2013 season, when they replaced the V10s. However, the new proposal is for V8 turbo hybrid engines, which will be cheaper, lighter and simpler while producing a more authentic sound associated with old-school Formula 1.
The stated aim of the new cycle, the BBC details, will be to “introduce lighter, more responsive cars, increased emphasis on driver skill, relevant technologies, reduced cost, to make it easier for new manufacturers to enter F1 and to continue with the sport's commitment to reducing emissions.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has long been a proponent of a return to V8 engines and even hinted at the proposal last week on social media.
The Emirati executive posted a video to his Instagram account, showing positive fan reactions to the concept of V8s returning, with the caption: "For the fans. For the drivers. For the sport. I am committed to bringing V8s back to Formula 1."
The video concludes with an on-screen message: "V8. Watch this space."
This year’s regulations, with cars using a 50-50 power unit split of electrical power and internal combustion engine (ICE), have been widely criticised.
Max Verstappen immediately declared the new regulations as “like Formula E on steroids” and “anti-racing”, while reigning world champion Lando Norris acknowledged that overtaking felt “artificial” during races. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has also labelled it the “battery world championship.”
The sight of drivers having to lift-and-coast at the end of straights, in order to recharge the battery for the rest of the lap, has been particularly unpalatable.
The 2027 and 2028 regulations will move more towards a 60-40 split of traditional combustion power – yet the battery will still be a significant aspect of the car make-up and driver focus.
The next race of the 2026 season, this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, sees 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli on the cusp of his first Formula 1 world championship. Antonelli needs to finish ninth or higher in Sunday’s race to claim the title.
