The FIA has announced that Formula 1 will undergo an engine change for the 2030 season and beyond. The V8 will return.
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FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem made the announcement on Tuesday while confirming that the global racing series will return to Africa in the 2030s.
He had reportedly pushed behind the scenes for a return of the V8 engine once the current regulations end in 2030, but he fully provided confirmation while setting the timeline. He added that he has support from Formula 1 Management and the Power Unit Manufacturers.
The current regulations have F1 cars running 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid engines with a 50-50 split between the internal combustion engine and electric power. These power units run on sustainable fuel.
Five companies provide power units to the F1 teams on the grid. This group includes Mercedes, Honda, Ferrari, Audi, and new competitor Ford.
FIA president Ben Sulayem confirms F1 will return to V8 engines in 2030.
The new engines will be around 80kg lighter, with at least 50% lower R&D and engine costs.
Turn up the volume and enjoy the sound of 24 V8-powered F1 cars from the 2011 European GP. #F1 pic.twitter.com/UPkDRQgrMv
— Paul McGinnes (@McGF192) October 13, 2026
"It's a business plan, and one thing I would say, the beauty about 2030 is that we are working together that the launch of the new V8 will be in 2030," Sulayem said during a press conference. "So, Rwanda is going to have that engine in the first ever race when we thought of the engines.
"What are the objectives of doing this engine? As a driver, the first thing: We need lightweight cars. So, it is going to be approximately 80 kilograms lighter, and maybe I shouldn't be saying it now to the press. And then the second is sustaining the business."
Sulayem said that the move to the V8 will result in "at least 50% less" in research and development. This will help with the business model.
Additionally, the move to the V8 engine for 2030 and beyond will benefit the fan. Sulayem noted that this is about the "sound, not the noise," something that many racing fans have mentioned in recent years while watching the V6 turbo hybrid-powered race cars.
These fans have made it clear they want the true experience of hearing the V8 engines roar as the top drivers battle for position.
