FIA president Ben Sulayem backs Verstappen as he drops major hint on the future of F1 engines

12:03, 08 Jul

Co-author:Tobia Elia

byHidde Korte

Next year, Formula 1 cars will undergo major changes, with updates to both aerodynamics and engine design. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has commented on the possibility of bringing back V8 engines.

In an interview with PlanetF1, Ben Sulayem discussed the potential return to the engines that were used from 2006 to 2013, before the switch to the current V6 units in 2014.

''Is it happening? “Yes, with the team now, I’m very optimistic, happy about it, and FOM is supportive,'' he started.

“The teams are realising that it is the right way. When I brought up V6, V8, V10, or V12, it was an idea. it’s to sustain the business. The current engine is so complicated, you have no idea. And it is costly. R&D is reaching 200 million.''

“An engine is costing approximately 1.8 to 2.1 million, so if we go on with a straight V8, many of the manufacturer and OEMS produce V8s in their cars, so commercially, it’s correct.''

The emirati president finallt added: ''That is the way to go. It’s cutting costs. People think that Formula 1 is unlimited money, but not all the teams. So this is something now we are having the buy-in.”

Max Verstappen and Ben Sulayem

Verstappen favors louder engines

Verstappen was previously asked about the engines as well. The Dutchman expressed his wish to return to different power sources: “That would mean we’d have to use earplugs again. I think not only the drivers but also the fans in the stands would definitely find it better and more beautiful.”

''Admittedly, the current situation might be somewhat better for hearing, but for passion and experience, it would be better to go back to the loud engines of the past.”