FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says driver experience and fan passion are driving plans to bring V8 engines back to the FIA Formula One World Championship, with a potential return targeted for the 2030s.
Speaking ahead of the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, Ben Sulayem said the proposed change aims to deliver lighter cars, improve the driving experience and reconnect the sport with fans through the distinctive sound of V8 engines.
The FIA is progressing with the plans in collaboration with Formula One Management (FOM), the teams and power unit manufacturers.
“I believe the change will be felt by everyone, from the drivers to the fans, and it will usher in a thrilling new era for Formula One,” Ben Sulayem said.
Lighter Cars and Lower Engine Costs
The FIA President is targeting a potential V8 introduction in the 2030s, alongside a weight reduction of approximately 80 kilograms and expected cuts of at least 50% in research, development and engine costs.
Drawing on his experience in rallying, Ben Sulayem said lighter cars that drivers can push to their limits are essential to competitive racing.
He argued that reducing vehicle weight and reintroducing V8 engines would help create cars that respond more directly to driver skill and reward commitment on the track.
Ben Sulayem also highlighted the emotional connection between engine sound and the sport’s identity. He believes the return of the V8 could appeal to long-standing supporters while introducing a new generation of fans to the experience of hearing the engines at a circuit.
FIA and Formula One Strengthen Cooperation
Progress towards the proposed engine change also reflects closer cooperation between the FIA, which governs the championship, and FOM, its commercial promoter.
In December 2025, the FIA, FOM and all 11 Formula One teams signed the Concorde Governance Agreement, establishing the championship’s regulatory framework and governance terms through 2030.
The agreement forms part of a wider series of commercial and governance developments secured under Ben Sulayem’s presidency.
Long-Term Agreements Across Motorsport
The FIA has also secured several major agreements covering other international racing championships.
These include a multi-year extension to its agreement with Formula E Holdings Limited for the continued promotion of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the all-electric single-seater series.
In July 2026, the FIA announced a long-term commercial rights agreement for the FIA World Rally Championship and FIA European Rally Championship following the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital.
In September 2026, the FIA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, founder and organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, signed an agreement securing another decade of growth for the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Together, these developments underline the FIA’s efforts to strengthen its partnerships across global motorsport as discussions continue over the future direction of Formula One.
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