The future of Formula 1’s power units has become a central debate in the paddock, specifically regarding a potential return to the V8 engines last used in 2013. During the 2026 Miami Grand Prix weekend, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem sparked significant discussion by stating, “The V8 is coming,” suggesting a revival as early as 2030 or 2031, even if existing manufacturers are hesitant.
He observed that fans will love the return to the visceral sound, the teams will benefit from less complex and much cheaper engines, and pointed out that at Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, or Cadillac, V8s are found in most of their road car vehicles. Further, it will allow for a huge cut in the weight of the cars, something the drivers have been advocating for a decade.
Ben Sulayem declared an announcement is coming “very soon” and that the V8s will be accompanied by “very, very minor electrification,” unlike today’s 50% contribution from the battery.
F1 manufacturers power to be stripped away
Further, the power awarded to the F1 engine manufacturers will be stripped away in terms of deciding on the architecture of the next generation of F1 power. “In 2031, the FIA will have the power to do it without any votes from the PUMs (Power Unit Manufacturers). That’s the regulations. But we want to bring it one year earlier. Let’s say the manufacturers don’t approve it—the next year it will happen anyway. In 2031 it’s done. It will be done. V8 is coming.”
After the torrid start to the all-new 2026 regulations concerning F1 power units, this will be music to the ears of the fans and the drivers in particular. Yet certain manufacturers will not take this lying down, given one declared during the process of designing the current breed of F1 power that, “we will never build an internal combustion engine again,” according to the FIA’s head of single-seater racing, Nicolas Tombazis.
Surprisingly, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff appeared to welcome the declaration, telling assembled media in Miami: “Count us in to come back with a real racing engine,” though he cautioned that the sport must maintain some electrification to remain relevant to the modern automotive world.
In fact, it was more than a caution, as the Austrian outlined his particular take on the future of F1 power. He spoke of an internal combustion engine delivering 800 bhp but accompanied by a hybrid motor delivering 400 bhp—hardly the “very, very minor electrification” outlined by the president of the FIA.
Mekies jokes he drives a V8 now
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies backed the move, while joking that his team and Ford may have a head start on the rest given he already drives a V8-powered Ford Mustang daily in Milton Keynes.
Yet not everyone appears to be behind the reversal of a decade and a half of F1’s hybrid powertrains. Ex-F1 racer and IndyCar winner Juan Pablo Montoya dismissed the move as merely “nostalgic.” He labeled the last era of V8 engine power as “boring,” arguing the racing was often sterile and felt more like “short test sessions” compared to the current F1 spectacle.
Then again, the Colombian driver, who completed 94 F1 Grands Prix between 2001–2006, raced in an era when there was competition between tire manufacturers and when the aerodynamics were fairly unrestricted, leading to huge amounts of “dirty air” coming from the rear of the F1 cars—making it difficult to follow closely or overtake. F1 is in a very different place now, regardless of the power units.
Russell’s precise wish list for f1 engines
Another to put his head above the parapet after the decisive comments made by Ben Sulayem is Mercedes’ George Russell. The Mercedes driver currently is trailed in the F1 drivers’ championship by his teammate Kimi Antonelli by some 20 points. His wish list for the future of F1 power, coming when he will be 33 years of age, is as follows:
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Sustainable Fuels: Russell praised the move toward carbon-neutral fuels as a “fantastic” and necessary step for F1’s longevity.
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Lighter Cars: He emphasised the need to reduce car weight to improve drivability and wheel-to-wheel combat.
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Cautious on the Nostalgia: While he admitted a V8 return would be “pretty cool,” he echoed Montoya’s concerns regarding overtakes. Russell noted that while early 2000s cars were aesthetically superior, the lack of overtaking during that era is a mistake F1 must avoid repeating.
With Mercedes dominating the new 2026 era of F1 regulations, it is hardly surprising to see the attitudes of Toto Wolff and George Russell; however, the debacle that has befallen the sport with the new and much-ridiculed hybrids this season is damaging the reputation of F1.
Drivers are no longer able to complete a qualifying lap while pushing flat out, which is a travesty. Further, the cars are energy-starved and can’t complete a full lap of racing without the internal combustion engine having to divert some of its power to merely charging the battery. In the worst scenarios, closing speeds are highly dangerous and the drivers do not understand the energy management algorithms, which at times decide whether the driver will make an overtake or not—as happened to Lando Norris back in Japan.
The return of third parties like Cosworth
Simpler F1 engines based on a V8 architecture will allow third-party engine manufacturers such as Cosworth to re-enter the fray. The Birmingham based company remains third on the all time list of engine manufacturer wins, only behind Ferrari and Mercedes.
The billion-dollar budget required for producing the current V6 hybrids prices out many of these highly successful and nimble enterprises, but by 2030/31 they may return, reducing the threat to the sport of the manufacturers once again bailing out and taking their balls home.
In the meantime, the next topic high on the list of F1 paddock gossip is how George Russell himself has started the 2026 season. He has been bested by his teammate—with the exception of the season opener—and it now looks as though the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix may be make-or-break for the British driver’s hopes of ever being F1 champion.
For now, Russell continues to receive the backing of his boss in terms of reviving his title hopes, as Toto Wolff told Gazzetta dello Sport this week: “What we love about this sport is that the clock never lies at the end of the race, and the clock says Kimi deservedly won the last three GPs. Russell hasn’t done as well, in some cases due to team problems, or bad luck, and in Miami due to his own mistakes.
“That said, we know George’s value, and we know he’ll return, starting from Canada, very competitive and ready to make life difficult for his opponents.” Russell may yet find what is required to beat his teenage teammate to the drivers’ F1 title, but for now, it looks awfully like his years of being an F1 apprentice may come to naught.
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A.J. Hunt is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Andrew oversees editorial standards and contributes to the site’s Formula 1 coverage. A career journalist with experience in both print and digital sports media, Andrew trained in investigative journalism and has written for a range of European sports outlets.
At TJ13, Andrew plays a central role in shaping the site’s output, working across breaking news, analysis, and long-form features. Andrew’s responsibilities include fact-checking, refining editorial structure, and ensuring consistency in reporting across a fast-moving news cycle.
Andrew’s work focuses particularly on the intersection of Formula 1 politics, regulation, and team strategy. Andrew closely follows developments involving the FIA, team leadership, and driver market dynamics, helping to provide context behind the sport’s biggest stories.
With experience covering multiple seasons of Formula 1’s modern hybrid era, Andrew has developed a detailed understanding of how regulatory changes and competitive shifts influence the grid. Andrew’s editorial approach prioritises clarity and context, aiming to help readers navigate complex developments within the sport.
In addition to editorial duties, Andrew is particularly interested in how media narratives shape fan perception of Formula 1, and how reporting can balance speed with accuracy in an increasingly digital news environment.
