Following Stellantis, F1 Aims to Reintroduce V8s | Carscoops

      The FIA president seems ready to make the transition, but he is still working to convince the teams.

      July 10, 2025, at 13:10

      by Brad Anderson

      The FIA president has hinted at the possibility of V8 engines making a comeback in Formula 1 as early as 2029.

      Currently, the 1.6-liter turbo V6 hybrid engines cost over $2 million each.

      If V8s are reintroduced, they will utilize synthetic fuels and some form of electrification.

      In the constantly changing environment of Formula 1, few changes have generated as much discussion as the transition from high-revving V8 engines to hybrid V6s. In 2014, the sport replaced its 2.4-liter naturally aspirated V8s with 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 hybrids, a decision that favored efficiency over spectacle.

      Now, more than ten years later, there is growing momentum to bring back the V8s, with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stating that their return could occur as early as the 2029 season.

      While the shift to turbocharged V6s helped make the sport somewhat more eco-friendly and aligned with contemporary trends, the current powertrains have become extremely costly.

      An increasing number of voices within the paddock are advocating for a return to simpler and more affordable engines. A naturally aspirated V8 would not only lower costs but also revive the distinctive, high-pitched sound that characterized Formula 1’s legendary eras of V12s, V10s, and V8s.

      Support from Within the Sport

      Speaking at the recent British Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem expressed optimism. “For us, the V8 is happening,” he remarked. “With the teams now, I’m very optimistic, happy about it. FOM [Formula One Management] is supportive, and the teams are realizing it is the right path. We need to act soon. You require three years, so hopefully by 2029, we will have something in place, but we also need to be cautious about the high cost of fuel and the expensive transmissions.”

      He further discussed the escalating expenses of the current power units with Autosport. “The current engine is incredibly complicated, you can't imagine how costly it is. R&D is approaching $200 million, with the engine costing around $1.8 million to $2.1 million. So if we proceed with a straightforward V8, we’ll see,” he added.

      Future F1 car preview

      Road Relevance

      Similar to several car manufacturers that prematurely committed to becoming fully electric, Formula 1 may have rushed into downsizing to V6s. Many automotive brands still design and produce V8 road cars, making it logical for the sport to follow suit.

      While there have been proposals within the FIA to reintroduce V10s, V8s seem to be the more feasible choice. They not only offer greater relevance to road cars but are also lighter and simpler to incorporate. Importantly, any return to V8s would still come with modern enhancements.

      Future F1 engines would likely incorporate some form of electrification and operate on sustainable fuels, maintaining the sport's environmental commitments while increasing the excitement on the track.