Overview
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, speaking Sunday at the Miami Grand Prix, said V8 engines will return by 2031 and could arrive in 2030.
- An early switch in 2030 needs support from four of the six power unit manufacturers, while the FIA can impose the change in 2031 without a vote.
- The planned engines would be V8s with very minor electrification, replacing today’s roughly 50:50 split between the combustion engine and battery power.
- Ben Sulayem cited cost, weight, and complexity with the 2026 units, as drivers also flagged lift‑and‑coast driving and large speed gaps despite Miami rule tweaks aimed at curbing aggressive battery use known as superclipping.
- Mercedes boss Toto Wolff signaled openness if some electric boost remains for road relevance, and reports suggest lighter cars and lower costs, with some estimates pointing to an 80–100 kg weight reduction as talks now turn to timing and technical specs.