V8 states 'will occur', Sainz responds with 'stop the criticism'.

      "In 2031, the FIA will possess the authority to implement it."

      FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has asserted that a return to V8 engines in Formula 1 is unavoidable, as ongoing criticism of the new 2026 regulations continues. "It’s coming," he remarked during another contentious race weekend in Miami under the new rules, where even adjustments to energy management did not resolve fundamental issues. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri characterized the racing as "pretty crazy." "At one point, George was one second behind me and overtook me by the end of that straight," the McLaren driver said. "It’s rather unpredictable. The speed differences are vast, and anticipating that as the defending driver is extremely challenging."

      "So, from that perspective, not much has fundamentally changed." "I think the collaboration between the FIA and F1 has been positive, but there are only so many modifications you can make with the current hardware." His teammate Lando Norris was even more forthright. "Honestly, I don’t think it can be fixed. The battery just needs to go." This may soon come to fruition, as Ben Sulayem is now eagerly anticipating an early conclusion to the 2026 regulatory cycle, which could see a popular comeback of primarily naturally aspirated V8 engines utilizing sustainable fuel.

      "Ultimately, it’s just a matter of time," the FIA president stated. "My objective is 2030. It will occur a year before the new regulations expire. If the manufacturers don't endorse it, then it will be delayed by one more year, but it will happen." "It's not about needing their support—no, it will happen. The V8 is on its way." The Emirati clarified that the FIA is ready to act independently if necessary. "In 2031, the FIA will have the authority to do so, without needing a vote from the engine manufacturers," he explained. "We prefer to implement it a year earlier."

      "With V8 engines, we obtain sound, simplicity, and lightweight design," he mentioned. "The V8 is the most popular and easiest to manage. You’ll hear more about it soon." "There will be a very slight degree of electrification, but the main focus will be on the internal combustion engine." He dismissed the possibility of V10 engines being an alternative. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen concurred that Formula 1 is currently constrained by the 2026 regulations. "It simply needs to shift away from this 55:45 ratio and revert to approximately what it was under the previous regulations—around a 75-80 percent engine share," he said. "That would be quite beneficial."

      However, he cautioned that politics present an obstacle. "Next year, you definitely won’t witness a 75-80 percent share. It’s always a political matter." For now, GPDA director Carlos Sainz called for a more practical approach. "I believe this regulation still has potential for improvement," he said. "But it’s time to stop criticizing it and continue advocating for changes in the right direction."