In the lead-up to the race weekend in Monza, various sources reported plans to reintroduce the V8 engine to Formula 1. From 2029, even before the end of the new V6’s five-year engine cycle, the premier class could switch to hybrid eight-cylinders. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is reportedly behind the plans, although he faces resistance from the participating manufacturers.
Ben Sulayem is said to want to organize an engine summit after the Italian GP to discuss the transition to hybrid V8 engines. The hybrid component would be significantly scaled back compared to the current engine plans for 2026 and beyond. Larger engines with less electric support have long been popular with both fans and drivers, although the participating car manufacturers warn against switching too early. After all, millions have already been invested in the power sources for next year. In April, an earlier attempt to reintroduce V10 blocks was already rejected.
A meeting about the plans was scheduled for Thursday, September 11, but BBC Sport reports that the engine summit has since been canceled. A number of high-ranking sources within Formula 1 are said to have confirmed that Ben Sulayem has called off the gathering because the manufacturers involved could not reach an agreement. The current rules stipulate that the parties involved must reach a majority agreement to implement new engine rules.
Disagreement Over Power Output
Reportedly, there is no significant opposition to the idea of switching to V8 engines, but there is considerable disagreement over the hybrid component. The question is how much electric power it should deliver and whether or not turbochargers should continue to be used. After the plans for the naturally aspirated V10 were rejected, the FIA stated it was ‘determined to uphold the 2026 regulations‘, although there was room to discuss future engine formulas.
“Electrification will always be part of future considerations,” added a spokesperson. “In this context, the use of sustainable fuel will be a necessity.” The rules for 2026 remain with the current 1.6-liter hybrid V6, although the power output from the battery will significantly increase. Furthermore, from next year, races will be run using sustainable fuels.
