F1 V8 Engines: Ben Sulayem's Bold Move to Revive the Roar

F1 V8 Engines: Ben Sulayem's Bold Move to Revive the Roar

Hassan
Hassan
Published: May 04, 2026

The FIA president wants F1 to abandon turbos and minimise electrification sooner rather than later – but powerful forces stand in his way, even though he claims not to need a consensus

The Roar Returns? F1's Engine Revolution Looms

The whispers at the **Miami Grand Prix** weren't just about the weather; they were about the seismic shift **Mohammed Ben Sulayem** is determined to inflict upon **F1's** very heart: its engines. He's not mincing words – the **V6 turbo-hybrid** era, with its muted symphony and intricate energy management, is on borrowed time.

**Ben Sulayem** has been vocal about his desire to move away from the current highly complex and expensive **hybrid power units**. His vision is clear: a return to naturally aspirated **V8 engines** with only minimal electrical assistance. This, he argues, will bring back the spine-tingling sound and raw power that fans crave.

He sees the **V8** as a common, lightweight, and less complex solution, contrasting sharply with the current 46-54 split of combustion to electric power. This significant change aims to reduce the convoluted software and astronomical development costs associated with modern **F1** engines.

A Battle of Billions: Manufacturers vs. FIA

This bold declaration, however, isn't a universally welcomed idea. Many current **F1** engine manufacturers, including giants like **Honda**, **Audi**, and **Mercedes**, have poured billions into developing the very **hybrid technology** **Ben Sulayem** seeks to sideline. Their substantial investments were made with an eye on road relevance and future technological advancements.

The current regulations, while aiming for simplification by removing elements like the MGU-H, have paradoxically led to incredibly expensive and complex power unit development. Manufacturers rely on this