FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says driver experience and fan passion are driving V8 return to Formula One

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says his experience as a rally driver and his commitment to meeting the expectations of motorsport fans are behind his efforts to bring V8 engines back to the FIA Formula One World Championship.

Ahead of this weekend’s FIA Formula One United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, Ben Sulayem said the FIA was progressing with plans for the engine’s return in collaboration with Formula One Management (FOM), teams and power unit manufacturers.

He said the proposed changes would be felt by drivers and fans alike, potentially ushering in a new era for the sport.

“I believe that the change will be felt by everyone, from the drivers to the fans, and it will usher in a thrilling new era for Formula One as the pinnacle of global motorsport,” Ben Sulayem said.

FIA targets lighter cars and lower engine costs

The FIA President is targeting a Formula One debut for the proposed V8-powered cars in the 2030s, with plans including a weight reduction of approximately 80kg and cuts of at least 50 per cent in research and development and engine costs.

Ben Sulayem said his experience in rallying had given him a practical understanding of the needs of drivers, teams and organisers.

He said lighter cars that allow drivers to push their limits were central to improving racing.

“Drivers want cars that respond to their skill and reward their commitment. Reducing weight and reintroducing the V8 factor is the most direct way to give them that,” he said.

The FIA President also highlighted the sound of V8 engines as an important part of Formula One’s appeal, saying their return could reconnect the championship with long-standing supporters while attracting a new generation of fans.

“Fans experience Formula One with all their senses, and the sound of a V8 is part of what first drew so many people to the sport,” he said.

FIA and Formula One Management strengthen cooperation

Ben Sulayem described progress towards the proposed V8 return as a sign of closer cooperation between the FIA, which governs the championship, and FOM, its commercial promoter.

He said both organisations shared a commitment to developing the next era of Formula One.

The relationship was reinforced in December 2025 through the signing of the Concorde Governance Agreement by the FIA, FOM and all 11 Formula One teams.

The agreement establishes the regulatory framework and governance terms for the FIA Formula One World Championship through 2030.

FIA secures agreements across motorsport

The Concorde Governance Agreement is one of four major agreements secured by the FIA under Ben Sulayem's presidency in the preceding 18 months.

The first was a multi-year extension to the FIA's agreement with Formula E Holdings Limited, majority-owned by Liberty Global, supporting the continued promotion of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

In July 2026, the FIA announced a long-term commercial rights agreement for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).

The agreement followed the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital.

In September 2026, the FIA and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), founder and organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, signed an agreement for the FIA World Endurance Championship, securing another decade of development for the series.

Ben Sulayem's comments on the proposed V8 return come as the FIA continues discussions with Formula One's commercial stakeholders on the championship's future technical direction.