F1 Engine Proposal Puts V8s on the Table for 2030 or 2031
The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, has sent its six engine manufacturers a proposal for a new power unit, to arrive in either 2030 or 2031. The plan is for V8 engines, replacing the V6s the sport uses now.
According to the BBC, the document describes a V8 turbo hybrid. A turbo is a turbocharger, a compressor that uses exhaust gas to force more air into the engine. A hybrid adds electric power alongside the petrol engine. The proposed V8 would have a capacity of between 2.0 and 2.3 litres, with a smaller turbo running at lower boost pressure and a less powerful hybrid system.
Today's cars run 1.6-litre V6 turbos, with roughly 53 per cent of power from the combustion engine and 47 per cent from electrical parts. That split is due to move to 60-40 in two steps by 2028. Under the new proposal, the electric motor would recover 200kW of energy, down from 350kW now. A kilowatt is a unit of power, and 1kW is about 1.34 horsepower.
Of the electric output, 100kW would be available at all times, which is about 134bhp. A further 100kW would be on tap for push-to-pass, the overtaking boost drivers can use in set zones. The proposal aims for total output of around 900bhp, with the rest coming from the combustion engine. It also targets an 80kg cut in the overall weight of the cars.
Fuel would stay fully sustainable, but the aim is to make the rules simpler and cheaper to meet. The proposal is also described as cheaper, lighter, simpler and with a more visceral sound, meaning a louder, rawer noise.
The document sets out two routes. The first aims to change as little as possible. It suggests a 2.1-litre V8 built by adding two cylinders to the current 1.6-litre blocks, with a smaller turbo and a smaller hybrid motor. The second is not detailed in the same way. Audi has said it wants turbos to remain part of the sport in the new era.
The FIA's president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, first pushed for a return of V10 engines at the start of last year. He has more recently backed V8s. In May, he said the switch could happen by 2031, possibly as early as 2030. The FIA has also moved away from an early idea of returning to naturally aspirated engines, which have no turbo.
The proposal followed one-to-one talks between the FIA and individual manufacturers. The framework for the new engine design is said to be basically acceptable to all of them. That is a good sign for the plan, but it is still a proposal, not a finished rulebook.
Later plans could bring further changes. In July, the FIA president said refuelling could return under the V8 plans, and that an independent engine supplier could join the grid. For fans, the main question is whether the new engines sound and race the way the proposal promises. The teams, and the FIA, still have to turn that promise into rules.
