FIA President hints V8 engines could replace V6 hybrids in Formula 1 by 2029
Published on Jul 13, 2025 at 6:58 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Jul 09, 2025 at 3:02 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Keelin McNamara
The FIA president has just dropped an enormous hint for the future of Formula 1.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem became FIA president back in December 2021.
Since then, fan noise has swirled around the desire to return to V8 engines.
Now, the current FIA president has hinted that these could replace V6 hybrids in Formula 1.
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FIA President proposes Formula 1 move back to V8 engines
Current FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently proposed a very interesting change.
Formula 1 teams currently use V6 hybrid engine powerplants in its cars.
These V6 hybrid powerplants aren’t exactly popular – especially because of the lack of noise.
Fans regularly point to the glory days of V12 and V10 monsters shrieking around the circuit.
By comparison, the V6 hybrid – introduced in 2014 – is much quieter than the others.
Earlier this year, FIA president Ben Sulayem suggested a move back to V10 engines for next year.
Such a move was greeted with universal cheering from the Formula 1 masses.
However, the teams did not exactly greet the proposal with the same enthusiasm.
In fact, it led to a massive showdown in Bahrain, with the teams expressing their commitment to the new regulations.
Recently, however, Ben Sulayem floated the idea of Formula 1 returning to the V8 for 2029.
Speaking to a group of journalists at Silverstone, Ben Sulayem said: “The current engine is so complicated, you have no idea.
“And it is costly. R&D is reaching 200 million.”
“An engine is costing approximately 1.8 to 2.1 million [dollars], so if we go on with a straight V8…commercially, it is correct.”
Could move back to V8 engine make sport more accessible?
Aside from engine changes, another interesting topic has been dominating the Formula 1 paddock.
And that topic directly relates to the increase of teams competing in Formula 1.
The current FIA president has openly discussed expanding the Formula 1 grid to 12 teams.
Audi will officially be entering Formula 1 for the first time next year.
The German giants will be taking over the Swiss Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber operation.
American behemoths Cadillac are also entering the grid for 2026 as well.
FIA president Ben Sulayem has argued that a return to the V8 engine would make F1 more accessible.
However, the FIA president is adamant that a 12th team won’t be added for the sake of it.
“Do we have to fill up [the grid] with a 12th team for the sake of filling up [the grid] with a 12th team? No. It will be the right team.”
Definitely watch this space – a return to the V8 engine appears to be a potentially massively popular move for Formula 1.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
