FIA President Ben Sulayem Advocates for V8 Engines and Potential Expansion of Formula 1 Grid
At the British Grand Prix, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the necessity for Formula 1 to transition to more cost-effective V8 engines as soon as the 2029 season. This shift is projected to occur just three years post the implementation of the current 2026 power units.
"We need to do it soon," stated Ben Sulayem, asserting that teams and Formula One Management (FOM) are increasingly receptive to this change. He highlighted the exorbitant costs of the current engine regulations, which can reach up to $200 million in research and development. Current engine costs range between $1.8 million and $2.1 million, reinforcing the argument for a simpler V8 configuration.
Echoing earlier discussions in Bahrain, where the focus was on integrating electrification and sustainable fuels, Ben Sulayem noted the importance of affordability and relevance. “Many manufacturers produce V8s; commercially, it’s correct,” he added, advocating for a target of over 50% reduced expenditure across the board.
In addition to the engine transition, Ben Sulayem addressed the possibility of introducing a 12th team to the grid, with aspirations for engagement from a Chinese OEM following unsuccessful negotiations with General Motors’ Cadillac. He confirmed that any new team’s entry must go through rigorous evaluations to ensure it adds value to the sport. "The team has to add value to sustaining the business of Formula 1," he explained.
While no formal discussions on future power units have taken place since the Bahrain meeting, any changes will require widespread agreement among manufacturers and the support of the FIA and FOM.
As the motorsport landscape evolves, these developments signify a critical pivot towards cost control and broader participation—essential for the sustained growth and commercial viability of Formula 1.
