Following the Italian GP, a meeting of engine manufacturers was initially scheduled within Formula 1. Reportedly, FIA Chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem wanted to discuss the possibilities for a return of the V8 engine. However, the meeting was prematurely cancelled due to resistance from the suppliers. FIA executive Nikolas Tombazis explains why there is hesitation towards a new engine formula, although he leaves the door open for future discussions.
A meeting of engine manufacturers involving all parties was scheduled for Thursday, September 11, but the FIA prematurely cancelled it. Several high-ranking sources within Formula 1 confirmed to BBC Sport that the organization postponed the meeting because the involved manufacturers could not reach an agreement. According to current rules, the parties must reach a majority agreement to implement new engine regulations.
‘Insufficient Consensus’
“The regulations have a five-year cycle, and therefore I think any changes would require a very broad consensus,” Nikolas Tombazis explained to PlanetF1. “There have been discussions about possible changes for 2029, and the engine manufacturers were also involved. The reason the meeting was postponed is that it became clear there would not be sufficient consensus, and it would be wrong to force a situation.”
The problem is that the engine suppliers, both existing and future manufacturers, have already made significant investments in the hybrid V6 for 2026. “Significant investments have already been made in a certain regulatory cycle,” Tombazis confirmed. However, the FIA does not rule out future discussions about the V8. “That being said, the discussion about what the future will look like, of course, remains open,” concluded the Greek executive.
