FIA President Ben Sulayem Targets V8 Engine Return for Formula 1 in the 2030s

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, attending the US Grand Prix at COTA, said the governing body is working with Formula 1's promoter, teams and engine makers to bring back V8 engines next decade.

FIA President Ben Sulayem Targets V8 Engine Return for Formula 1 in the 2030s

Formula 1 could be powered by V8 engines again in the 2030s, according to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Speaking during the United States Grand Prix weekend at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Ben Sulayem said the FIA is working with Formula One Management, the teams and power unit manufacturers on plans to reintroduce the screaming engines that were last seen in the sport in 2013.

The FIA president said the plan targets a debut in the 2030s, with research focused on cars that are around 80 kilograms lighter and a cut of at least 50 percent in engine development costs.

"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 as the pinnacle of global motorsport," Ben Sulayem said. He added that progress toward the V8's return signals a new understanding between the FIA and FOM in their shared commitment to the sport's future.

The comments come as Formula 1 runs its first weekend of the season with the new active-aero regulations at COTA.