Teams will discuss switching to naturally aspirated V8 engines.

      FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem has been promoting the idea of a return to naturally aspirated V8 engines in Formula 1 instead of the turbo hybrid power units since the beginning of the year. There have been no substantive discussions yet, but well-informed journalist Joe Saward reports that teams will discuss a possible switch to V8 engines in September.

      "Mohammed ben Sulayem is trying to convince manufacturers to agree to a change in the engine regulations before the end of the next cycle, which is supposed to run from 2026 through 2030 inclusive with a switch to new regulations in 2031," writes Joe Saward. "Some manufacturers are not opposed to cheaper and simpler engines, while others insist they have already invested and want to get a return on those investments, and only then switch to new ideas.

      Audi, Honda and Mercedes have opposed the proposal for an early change to the engine regulations; together they will supply power units to six of the eleven teams next season.

      Mercedes and Ferrari are the two biggest players on the market, as in 2026 they will be supplying power units to seven teams. Since Audi and Honda also want to stick with the current regulations, there is little real chance of change, although some manufacturers want to leave open the possibility of an earlier rule change if their 2026 engines prove uncompetitive.

      This pragmatic approach means that support for regulatory changes may increase after the balance of power with the 2026 engines becomes clear.

      The latest proposal is that Formula 1 should move to V8 engines, but timing is crucial in this matter. The 2026 engine regulations were finalised in mid-2022, so for a switch to new engines in 2028 the regulations would have had to be agreed by mid-2024. Even changes in 2029 are unlikely, although some manufacturers may be prepared to forgo 2030 if a more attractive power-unit formula emerges.

      To change the regulations for 2030, an agreement would have to be reached by next summer. There is a need to hurry on this matter, because there are other companies that may want to join Formula 1 in 2030 or 2031, and they already need to start planning their actions.

      A meeting to discuss these issues will take place in September, but it is obvious that discussions are already underway about which alliances will be formed before negotiations begin. It was interesting to observe Ferrari chief John Elkann holding several meetings with Toto Wolff of Mercedes during the race weekend in Budapest."