FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has spoken of his confidence that Formula 1 will return to using V8 engines in the near future.
F1 will increase its electrification next year with its current V6 hybrid engines segueing into a more equal split between internal combusion and electric motor.
This was confirmed earlier in the year, after increasing talk that the length of the forthcoming regulations would be shortened to reintroduce V10 engines.
However, an emergency meeting took place at the Bahrain Grand Prix to confirm the next generation would go ahead as planned.
The talks were triggered by speculation which panicked a great deal of F1’s OEMs [Original Engine Manufacturers], including Audi, that has entered F1 on the proviso that further electrification would be the way forward.
But Ben Sulayem, speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, doubled down on the idea that V8s, which have not featured in F1 since 2013, will return.
“To us, the V8 is happening,” he said. “With the teams now, I’m very optimistic, happy about it.
“FOM [Formula 1 Management] are supporting, the teams are realising it is the right way.”
Ben Sulayem did acknowledge that there will be cost implications to this however, given rising fuel prices, opening a possibility for some sort of hybrid in place.
“We need to do it soon. You need three years, so hopefully by 2029 we have something there, but the fuel is also very expensive, and we have to be very careful with that. Transmissions are very expensive.
“The current engine is so complicated, you have no idea, and it is costly. R&D is reaching $200 million, and the engine is costing approximately $200 million, and the engine is costing approximately $1.8 million to $2.1 million, so if we go with a straight V8, let’s see.”
Ben Sulayem theorised that a V8 engine would make more sense for a number of reasons, including being cheaper than the initial V10 idea he voiced, as well as road relevance.
“Many of the manufacturers produce V8s in their cars, so commercially it’s correct,” he said.
“How much is it? The target is more than 50 percent [cheaper] in everything.”
Ben Sulayem open to 12th F1 team but wary to ‘not upset’ existing teams
Ben Sulayem was also unafraid to potential ruffle a few feathers of those on the grid, by intimating his interest in welcoming a 12th team on the grid.
Cadillac will make its debut in 2026, after a great deal of resistance from much of the current teams.
Rules state that 12 teams can compete in F1, but given the length of time it took the TWG Group – when it originally intended to enter as an Andretti team – to have its entry approved, any willing entrant might find it hard to convince the powers that be, something that Ben Sulayem acknlowedged.
“The time will come when we feel it is right to open and expression of interest,” he said.
“We are not here to upset other teams. It won’t be just go and do it for the sake of doing it.
“It has to be worth it for us. The team has to add value to sustaining the business of Formula 1.”
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