Ben Sulayem continues to advocate for a future in Formula 1 that features lighter V8 engines.

      "What’s the biggest issue with cars today?"

      FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem continues to advocate for a return to lighter, louder, and more affordable Formula 1 cars powered by V8 engines. While the current manufacturers in Formula 1 have reached an agreement on updates for the 2027 and 2028 engine regulations, Ben Sulayem is already looking beyond that to the next set of rules. In an interview with Canal Plus, he expressed that today’s cars have become overly complex, expensive, and heavy. "What’s the most significant drawback of cars now?" he questioned. "It’s the complexity of the systems, the immense amount of money spent on development, the associated costs, and the size of the car." He emphasized that a large and heavy car is associated with safety concerns.

      Ben Sulayem noted that the FIA has increased weight limits in recent years for safety, but he now wishes to change that trend. "I’d like to see a complete car weighing less than 650 kilograms. My objective is 630." The Emirati believes that reverting to naturally aspirated V8 engines using sustainable fuels would help reach that goal. "You’ll have the performance of an internal combustion engine, around 760 horsepower with 10 percent electrification. That would provide a great sound and be more affordable."

      He also stated that development costs would significantly decrease. "Research and development will be much less expensive," Ben Sulayem mentioned. "The engine will also be lighter, more enjoyable to use, and fans will appreciate the sound." He thinks this proposal would be advantageous for fans, teams, and manufacturers. "We need to nurture the business and the passion for the sport," he remarked. "We need to offer something to the fans."

      Ben Sulayem added that any future changes would only occur after discussions with Formula 1’s manufacturers and teams. "It’s crucial to consult with the teams, especially those that provide the power units," he stated. However, he made it clear that if an agreement could be reached, he would be open to an earlier implementation. "If they want to proceed a year sooner (than 2031), we’d be very pleased because it would be more manageable and less costly."