Formula One to switch back to V8 engines amid electrical trend decline

F1 President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Proposes Return to Traditional V8 Engines by 2030

At the recent Miami Grand Prix, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced plans to revisit traditional V8 engines for Formula 1 cars. According to Ben Sulayem, this could happen as early as 2030 or 2031.

The proposal comes after a series of tweaks were made to the sport’s new era regulations, which introduced a 50-50 split in power between traditional engines and onboard battery packs. The changes aimed to reduce the influence of electrical power on racing, particularly in qualifying.

Ben Sulayem stated that he wants to return to big, noisy traditional engines due to their distinctive sound, reduced complexity, and lighter weight. He emphasized that this would be a significant change for the sport.

F1 has used V6 engines with electrical hybrid power since 2014, which has become central to how drivers approach racing. The timing of electrical boosts and recharging is crucial in tactical racing. Some drivers, including four-time champion Max Verstappen, have expressed concerns about this aspect of the sport.

The FIA’s top regulations official, Nikolas Tombazis, noted that the automotive industry’s stance on internal combustion engines has changed since the current regulations were introduced. The European Union is rethinking a planned ban on new internal combustion-powered cars from 2035, and the United States President’s administration has implemented tighter rules on charger networks for electric vehicles.

Ben Sulayem stated that engine manufacturers’ agreement would be necessary to push for V8 engines by 2030, but would have more flexibility to act without their agreement in 2031. The FIA aims to balance its relationship with automotive companies while protecting the sport from external factors.

The proposal is part of the FIA’s typical planning process, which involves reviewing regulations years ahead of time.

Source: Al Jazeera