F1's V8 comeback moves closer as Ben Sulayem confirms key talks

There has been a lot of criticism over the new hybrid power unit regulations introduced for 2026, with drivers including Max Verstappen voicing their displeasure. The return of V8 engines, last used in 2013, is high on the agenda for the current FIA president.

Speaking to Viaplay, Ben Sulayem revealed consultation talks are taking place with teams, drivers and engine suppliers as he admitted the need for a "fresh new engine, which meets all the requirements.

A number of drivers were vocal with their criticism with F1's 2026 power unit regulations after the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday. With the 2026 regulations implementing a 50/50 split between electrical power and internal combustion, drivers have attempted to get to grips with the complexities of energy deployment all with varying degrees of success.

Oscar Piastri, who finished fifth in Spa, said he was fed up with F1 2026 being decided by computers behaving or misbehaving. He said: "It sucks. I can’t really say it any other way than that. I certainly wouldn’t have been the only person [to complain]. I know George [Russell] has had a lot of issues with that this weekend and maybe the last couple of weekends, and speaking to some others, it’s a similar story.

Haas driver Oliver Bearman also hit out at the engine regulations who said that he had less power than a F2 car. He said: "Of course, you spend a lot of time superclipping, a lot of time in just ICE, which means you have less power than F2, which is not the most fun, but that's how we land in reality."