Formula 1's electrical revolution is losing its spark and V8 power could return

Lead

Four races into Formula 1's new engine era, the sport's governing body is already scaling back its electrical revolution. The FIA has agreed in principle to introduce evolutionary changes that would make engines combustion-dominant starting in 2027, according to a statement cited by multiple outlets. And FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has made clear he wants to go further, pushing for a return to traditional V8 engines by 2030 or 2031.

Coverage comparison

Reporting from ABC Australia and Al Jazeera converges on the key facts: The Miami Grand Prix marked the first race under tweaks that slightly limited the role of electrical power, and Ben Sulayem used the occasion to revive his V8 proposal. ABC Australia's coverage emphasizes the technical details and driver feedback, while Al Jazeera frames the story as a potential retreat from F1's electrification path. All sources characterize the shift as a response to criticism from drivers and fans about the current hybrid power units.

Key claims

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants to bring back traditional V8 engines. He told media at the Miami Grand Prix that the change is "coming" and could happen by 2030 or 2031, according to reports. "It's coming. At the end of the day, it's a matter of time," he said, as quoted by ABC Australia. "In 2031, the V8, the FIA will have the power to do it, without any votes from the PUMs [Power Unit Manufacturers]." Ben Sulayem added that pushing it to 2030 is possible, "which everyone now is asking for."

The current F1 power units feature roughly a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power, with the electric component increased to 350kW from 120kW, according to multiple sources. The energy recovery system requires drivers to spend significant time harvesting energy, leading to complaints about having to "lift and coast" into corners and safety concerns about speed differentials.

As of 2027, the FIA plans to shift that balance toward combustion, increasing internal combustion engine power by approximately 50kW and reducing the energy recovery system's role, according to ABC Australia. The changes are described in an FIA statement as making competition "safer, fairer and more intuitive" for drivers and teams.

Ben Sulayem's V8 proposal is not new — he first floated it last year, but it fizzled in a meeting with manufacturers. Now, with a new term in office and a backlash against the current engines, his push is being taken more seriously, according to ABC Australia and Al Jazeera.

Perspectives

FIA leadership: Ben Sulayem argues V8s would bring benefits including better sound, less complexity, and lighter weight. "You get the sound, you get less complexity and then you've got the lighter weight, you hit all the boxes," he said in Miami, adding that any electrification would be "very, very minor."

Team principals: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is open to regulations that combine combustion and electric power, according to ABC Australia, suggesting a willingness to compromise. Other manufacturers have yet to comment publicly.

Drivers: Four-time champion Max Verstappen has reportedly questioned his future in F1 due to the current engine format, though this claim is carried by a single outlet and not yet independently verified. Other drivers complained about the energy management demands of the current power units.

Fans and observers: The nostalgia for the "screaming" V8 era is cited by multiple sources as a factor in the push, alongside practical concerns about cost. The price of power units is a major concern for manufacturers, according to reports.

The debate comes as F1 considers both short-term tweaks for 2027 and a longer-term engine overhaul. Technical groups will hold further discussions before any final package is voted on by manufacturers and the FIA's World Motor Sport Council.