FIA chief says driver experience and passion behind V8 Formula 1 return

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 24, 2026

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced plans to bring V8 engines back to Formula 1, targeting their introduction in the 2030s to reduce car weight and cut engine costs. This move aims to enhance driver engagement with more responsive cars and revive the sport’s iconic engine sound to attract both longtime fans and new audiences.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has outlined plans to reintroduce V8 engines to Formula 1, citing his personal experience as a driver and a commitment to enhancing the sport for both competitors and fans. Speaking ahead of the FIA Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, Ben Sulayem emphasized that the move aims to return a thrilling new dimension to the championship.

The initiative involves collaboration between the FIA, Formula One Management (FOM), the racing teams, and power unit manufacturers. The first V8 engine cars are targeted to appear in the 2030s, with projected benefits including a weight reduction of around 90 kilograms per car and a significant decrease in engine development and operating costs, expected to be cut by at least half.

Ben Sulayem stressed that drivers seek vehicles that respond directly to their skill and dedication, describing a lighter chassis paired with the distinctive V8 powertrain as key factors to achieving more engaging and competitive racing. "Reducing weight and reintroducing the V8 factor is the most direct way to give them that," he said.

From a spectator standpoint, the V8 engine’s distinctive sound is viewed as an essential element of Formula 1’s appeal. The return of the engine type is intended to help reconnect with long-standing fans and attract new ones who have yet to experience the iconic auditory aspect of the sport.

The FIA president also highlighted that the project reflects a growing alignment between the FIA as the sport’s governing body and FOM as its commercial promoter. This closer cooperation was formalized last December with the signing of the Concorde Governance Agreement, a comprehensive contract ratified by the FIA, FOM, and all 11 current Formula 1 teams. The agreement sets out the regulatory framework and governance provisions for the championship through 2030.

Ben Sulayem’s rally driving background informs his approach to the sport’s evolution, emphasizing the balance between technical innovation, driver engagement, and fan experience. The potential return of the V8 engine marks a notable step in Formula 1’s ongoing efforts to blend performance, sustainability, and entertainment in a rapidly changing motorsport landscape.

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