07/07/2025 18:00
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is adamant the return to F1 of
V8 engines "is happening," which he claims would be the 'crowning
achievement' of his term in office. F1 has yet to usher in the new
2026 power units, which include a 50-50 split between internal
combustion and electrification, the removal of the MGU-H (Motor
Generator Unit - Heat), and a switch to 100 per cent sustainable
fuels, yet Ben Sulayem is already planning another major change for
F1. The changes have resulted in Audi joining F1 for the first time
in its illustrious history; the return of Honda, who will partner
Aston Martin; the return of Ford in partnership with Red Bull
Powertrains as it gears up for its engine manufacturer debut,
whilst GM will power 11th team Cadillac from 2028 following an
initial two-year supply deal from Ferrari for the American outfit.
The new PU, however, could be a short-term proposition as Ben
Sulayem sees a revised V8, last used in F1 from 2006-2013 as the
way forward for the sport, believing there are numerous positives
for all concerned. "Making the hybrid is one thing, but the
combustion engine is where we also have to look," said Ben Sulayem,
speaking to a small group of select media, including RacingNews365
. "Is one team going to run away with it [next season]? That's
where the FIA has to be fair because if newcomers enter, we have to
embrace and protect them before we think of other new people
coming. "And if we do that, the key is to make it cheaper, and
there are so many areas to make it cheaper, with fuel, and a single
supplier for so many things that we have to look into because now
the teams are realising that it [F1] is getting very expensive.
"When I brought up V6, V8, V10 or V12, it was an idea, and it [the
response] was like, 'They're not going to do it fair', and, 'What
if they don't approve it?' Is the FIA going to run out of business?
No. "But the right thing for them [the F1 teams] is to sustain the
business. 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 1.8 to 2.1, so if we go with a straight
V8, let's see. "Many of the manufacturers are producing V8s with
their cars, so commercially, it's correct. How much is it? It drops
50 per cent in everything. "That's how you sustain what you have,
and the teams can afford it. It becomes much cheaper, is lighter by
90 to 100 kilograms, which means we can add more safety. "The worst
thing for a driver is weight, so the car will be smaller, better,
and then the sound, you will have everything. So that is the way to
go. "So for us, the V8 is happening. With the teams, I'm very
optimistic, happy about it. FOM is supportive, and the teams are
realising it is the right way. "The only thing we have to tweak
is...who cares if it's a 2.5 [litre], 2.6, three-litre? It's a V8
or a V10, depending on the teams. We consult with them, and then we
listen to them." As to how quickly Ben Sulayem could usher in a new
V8 era remains to be seen. Whilst discussions over a return may
have started with FOM and the teams, he now has a re-election
campaign to run after former chief F1 steward Tim Mayer announced
he would stand against the Emirati . The election will take place
in December. "We need to do it soon, and when I say soon, 2026 is
coming," said Ben Sulayem. "You need three years, so hopefully by
2029 we will have something there, but the fuel is also very
expensive, and we have to be very careful with that. Transmissions
are very expensive. "We're discussing, and if it won't happen, then
the FIA won't do it." Asked whether it would be his "crowning
achievement" of his FIA presidency if V8s did return, he replied:
"Oh yes, because it is the right thing to do to sustain the
business. Not everyone can afford it in Formula 1. "Look at
rallying. We are bringing sustainable fuel, and we are removing the
electrification. "What do we need? What is our target? Is it
electrification? No, it's about reaching the numbers when it comes
to the environment. "If we can reach it this way, that way. Who
cares? To me, we feel we are on the right track."