FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed that Formula 1 will return to V8 engines in 2030.
The FIA President has repeatedly mentioned plans for F1 to return to V8 engines, but at the African Grand Prix launch event, Ben Sulayem confirmed the news. Previously, Sulayem stated that he intended to bring back V8 engines in 2031, however, it seems the V8 will be incorporated earlier.
The 2026 regulations, along with the power units, have drawn criticism from the start. Both F1 drivers and fans have complained and said the current cars are not adequate for racing. Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen has called it ‘Formula E on steroids’, ‘Mario Kart’, and even ‘a joke’. The current engines are 50% electric, and under the current regulations, they rely heavily on driver battery management.
Additionally, there were complaints about the reduction in noise levels, as the current F1 power units sound vastly different from those of past eras. Many have longed for the return of the sound and power.
Confident in F1’s return to V8
Drivers and fans alike will be thrilled that Sulayem announced an earlier return of the V8. While speaking about F1 racing in Rwanda, he was glad to mention that the first race will feature the earlier power units.
“The beauty about 2030 is that we are working together, that the launch of the new V8 will be in 2030,” the FIA President said.
“So Rwanda is going to have that engine in its first ever race. What is objectives of doing this engine? As a driver, the first thing we need is lightweight cars, so it is going to be approximately 80 kilogrammes lighter – and maybe I shouldn’t be saying it now to the press.
“Then the second is sustaining the business. So, it’s going to be at least 50 percent less in R&D and in the engine. And third, it’s about the fans; it’s about the sound, not the noise.”
As the sport makes its return to Africa in 2030, it will also return to the V8 engines. Ben Sulayem appeared confident in his decision and believes all parties will welcome the change.
“I believe that it’s not about the maturity that we can do it in 2031, which everything comes back to the FIA,” he said.
“No, I have the support from FOM. I have the support from the manufacturers, so it will be launched here. I’m positive that will be launched.”
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