F1: Ben Sulayem points to a V8 return as early as 2030
The newsroomUpdated on October 14, 20263 minAt the African Grand Prix launch in Rwanda, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke of F1's return to V8 engines in 2030, with lighter and cheaper cars.
Key point
Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the new V8 would launch in 2030, about 80 kg lighter and with at least 50% less R&D; no official text is cited.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has spoken of Formula 1 returning to V8 engines in 2030. He was speaking at the launch of the African Grand Prix in Rwanda. According to Motorsport Week, he had previously talked about 2031, so the target appears to have moved forward by a year.
What he said
According to remarks reported by Motorsport Week and GPFans, Ben Sulayem said the new V8 would launch in 2030, meaning Rwanda would have this engine in its very first race. He set out three aims:
- lighter cars: about 80 kg less;
- lower costs: at least 50% less research and development on the engine;
- the fans: putting the sound ahead of the noise.
He added that he has the support of FOM and the manufacturers, according to Motorsport Week.
The African Grand Prix context
The announcement comes as part of a ten-year agreement for a Grand Prix in Bugesera, Rwanda. It would be F1's return to the continent since 1993, according to GPFans. For the contract details, see our article on Rwanda.
A claim to treat with caution
GPFans (Dutch edition) notes that Ben Sulayem started a sentence, stopped, then said he perhaps should not have mentioned it to the press. The site adds that it is unclear whether he really revealed a still-confidential introduction date. None of the sources consulted cites a regulation text: for now these are statements, not a published decision.
Why the topic keeps coming back
The 2026 regulations, with half-electric power units, have drawn criticism since they arrived. Max Verstappen has criticised them in very harsh terms, according to Motorsport Week. Drivers and fans also regret the lower engine noise. According to GPFans, F1 had already agreed to shift power gradually back towards the combustion engine over two years.
What we still don't know
- Official confirmation of a date by the FIA and F1.
- The exact technology and format of the future V8.
- The detailed regulatory timetable up to 2030.
The editorial team will follow the FIA's next communications.
The editorial team
Frequently asked questions
Will F1 return to V8 engines in 2030?
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke of it in Rwanda. The sources consulted cite no published regulation: the date remains a statement.
What benefits does the FIA highlight?
Cars about 80 kg lighter, at least 50% less engine R&D and a sound closer to what fans want.
Why is Rwanda mentioned?
Ben Sulayem said Rwanda would have this engine in its first race, at the launch of the African Grand Prix.
Sources
- Motorsport Week — FIA president drops major revelation for 2030 F1 regulations
- GPFans — FIA chief confirms date for F1's V8 engine return
- GPFans NL — Ben Sulayem appears to slip up over V8 arrival
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
Newsletter · free
The Friday paddock
The essentials of motorsport, every Friday in your inbox. Free, one email a week.
Choose my categories
