Why Formula One Will Not Return To V8 Engines Before 2031?

Last Updated:September 07, 2025, 21:05 IST

Formula One will likely keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo-hybrids until 2030, with Audi, Red Bull, Mercedes, and Honda supporting the 2026 engine cycle and no early return to V8s.

F1 representative photo.

Formula One is unlikely to revert to V8 engines before 2031 at the earliest, due to a lack of consensus among stakeholders for an earlier introduction. Sources at the Italian Grand Prix informed Reuters that a meeting in London next Thursday between power unit manufacturers and the FIA has been postponed, as it was deemed premature.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who attended the race at Monza, mentioned in July that Formula One might return to noisy, naturally-aspirated V8 engines with fully sustainable fuel and a small electric component by 2029.

Next season marks the beginning of a new engine era with Audi and Red Bull entering as engine manufacturers, but Ben Sulayem has expressed a desire to go back to the naturally-aspirated engines that preceded the current 1.6-litre V6 turbo-hybrids.

The 2026 engines will be 50% hybrid, up from around 20%, and will run on sustainable fuels.

A source indicated that the current thinking is to allow the 2026 engine to complete its five-year cycle through to the end of 2030, reducing the urgency for an immediate meeting.

A discussion on the current and future direction of power units was held in Bahrain in April and resulted in a commitment to the 2026 engine.

Ben Sulayem has engaged in talks with manufacturers over the Monza weekend, with discussions set to continue as agreed at the Bahrain meeting.

Audi, Mercedes, and Honda reportedly want the 2026 engine to run its full course. General Motors is slated to supply engines to Cadillac from 2029, while Renault’s Alpine team will switch to Mercedes power next year.

Team principal Jonathan Wheatley stated in April that Audi is very clear about its position regarding the 2026 engine. He highlighted the excitement around three important pillars: a highly efficient engine, an advanced hybrid system, and sustainable fuels as the foundation.

The 2026 power units may require some adjustments, but the extent of these changes will only become evident after they are tested next year.

(With agency inputs)

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