FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem told a select media pool at the British Grand Prix that the governing body is exploring an independent V8 engine supplier for the 2031 regulations, aiming to retire the current turbo‑hybrid units. The plan would see a single, off‑the‑shelf V8 – with Cosworth mentioned as a possible candidate – offered to any customer team, removing the leverage manufacturers currently hold over their partners.
Sulayem argued that a standardized V8 could halve power‑unit R&D spend, cut car weight by about 100 kg, and simplify the hybrid system to a modest battery contribution of roughly 10‑15 percent. He left the choice between naturally aspirated or turbo‑charged designs open, noting that a turbo adds weight and cost while dampening the engine’s sound. McLaren and Alpine have signalled interest in developing their own units if the economics work, whereas Renault’s chief executive said a return to engine building is not part of the brand’s strategy.
The FIA has also launched a study on re‑introducing refuelling, weighing the impact on race strategy, safety and the estimated $4 million per‑team annual cost of the required equipment. While no final decisions have been made, the push for a simpler, cheaper V8 could reshape power‑unit economics and team dynamics for the next era of Formula 1.
