FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has said the technical regulations for the return of V8 engines to Formula 1 from 2030 will be ready within a few months. F1 last raced with V8s in 2013 before switching to turbocharged V6 hybrid power units. This season's 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power has been fiercely criticised by drivers, who have branded it "Formula E on steroids". The split is due to move to 58/42 in 2027 and 60/40 in 2028, but Ben Sulayem wants a full return to naturally aspirated V8s.
The FIA president confirmed that the official documentation has already been sent to Formula 1 teams and power unit manufacturers. According to Ben Sulayem, V8 engines are structurally far simpler, cost half as much to build and would significantly reduce the weight of the cars. Final approval of the regulations by the teams is expected in the coming months.
