V8, strongly V8
Not even enough time to put the engines of the technical revolution on track and already – after just three races – remedies are being sought and even new adjustments are being considered for the 2027 season. Not only that: it is no secret that the leadership of Formula 1 feels a certain fascination for V8 engines and that the future involves a return to a welcoming and winning past, noisy but also more efficient and ecological, with sustainable fuels and a bit (but not too much) of electrification. It is no secret that this is the idea of Stefano Domenicali, and even of the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for once aligned with the big boss of the GP paddock. This is how, while the ADUO results for the first developments of the current power units still have to be communicated, thoughts are already on the medium and long term future.
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Mohammed Ben Sulayem speaks
“If we consider the impact of motor racing worldwide – says Ben Sulayem when asked about the engines of the future in a long video interview published by Forbes – I believe it is 0.02% per year. But we, as a federation, have a responsibility. We always say that we are not part of the problem but we must be part of the solution. And with sustainable fuel, which is already available, now we can build the right way. We look at our old engine (the V6 turbo hybrid on track from 2014 to 2025, ed.) it is practically the same current engine, but we removed the MGU-H and now we only have the MGU-K as the electric motor. But we need simplicity, it is the key to moving forward. And regarding the new engine, we talked about the V8”.
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The cost issue
“I’m thinking about it – adds the FIA president – because by the end of 2030 the FIA will regain the power to decide on the engine without even having to go through a vote by the teams. But we would like to do it a year earlier to have financial advantages by reducing costs. Today research and development costs over 200 million euros, for heaven’s sake! And these power units are not seen in normal cars. Now there is also some reconsideration, with the whole world looking at electric vehicles differently. Is it the only way to get where we want, that is, to a cleaner environment? No, it is not the only way, there are others. There is sustainable fuel, you can think about adding a small electric motor and making it even cleaner”.
“We are working with the teams to ensure that the new engine is affordable, so that you no longer have to pay one and a half million euros for an engine. Who can afford a transmission, which now costs 9 million? We need to have a good base, but these are the current costs. This is where the FIA’s role comes in. So I am sure we will have a good engine, sustainable for the level of competition, and that such an engine is now feasible. It will also be light, because one of the worst things for a driver, and I have been a driver, is the weight. Look at how big the cars are, yet now they weigh 30kg less, although it is not enough. Let’s bring them to about 600-620kg. With a 780 horsepower engine, a nice sound, an affordable price… this is how we can best support F1”, concluded Ben Sulayem.
