FIA President shares his controversial and ambitious plan for F1's future

Speaking to French broadcaster Canal+, the FIA President discussed his plans for the V8s to make a return to Formula 1. "The V8 has to come, but why? We have to sustain the business. We have to sustain the love of the sport," he began.

The 2026 power units have been heavily criticised so far this season, and ahead of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, adjustments for the 2027 and 2028 seasons have now been agreed upon after the proposal had previously been on shaky ground.

Ben Sulayem continued explaining that together with a different power unit, he would like to see lighter cars as well in the competition. He said: "What is the worst thing in the cars now? Complexity, more money, expenses, and also big car. A big and heavy car means what? Means it is not safe. We added 50 kilograms because of the safety. But now I would like to see a car, a total complete car for less than 650 kilograms. My target is 630.

Expanding on his ideal plans for the power units, the FIA President added:"The V8 has to come. You have the power from the ICE engine of maybe 760 horsepower with 10% in it of electrification. That would give it the sound. It would be much cheaper. And R&D, research and development, much cheaper. As an engine alone, much lighter, enjoyable, and the sound will come for the spectators.

"You have the teams. You have the financial stability of the race. And you run it in what? Sustainable fuel. I can't see where we will get it wrong. The fans [will] have something that we have to give [them] to," the Emirati concluded.

Meanwhile, the current Formula 1 cars will re-appear on track soon in Barcelona. Follow the session with GPblog's liveblog here!