F1's next engines: turbo hybrid V8s, not naturally aspirated
Formula 1 will not return to a naturally aspirated V8. The FIA and the power unit manufacturers have agreed on the main principles of the next cycle of engine regulations. Turbocharging and hybrid technology stay, but in a simpler and lighter form. For now, this is a framework rather than a finished rulebook, so the details can still change.
What engine is F1 getting in the next cycle?
The new unit is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V8, intended to be closer to the traditional concept of a racing engine. The complete power unit is set to weigh at least 50 kg less than the current ones.
F1 currently uses turbocharged V6 engines, which it has run since the hybrid regulations arrived in 2014. Naturally aspirated V8s raced in the series from 2006 to 2013. Earlier this year, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced that F1 would return to V8s by 2031 at the latest, and most manufacturers welcomed the idea.
"We love V8s. From our perspective, it's a pure Mercedes engine, revs high," Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said at the time.
Talks are still ongoing. The FIA will keep meeting the manufacturers to settle the remaining details, and any change to the engine regulations must also go through the official approval process.
Why was the naturally aspirated V8 rejected?
Keeping the turbocharger was one of the issues that divided the manufacturers most, and a naturally aspirated engine was also considered. Noise was among the factors that decided against it: a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V8 would exceed the limits at some current F1 venues.
Noise restrictions apply in Melbourne, Miami, Madrid, Singapore, Baku and Las Vegas, among other places. According to sources, much louder cars could create insurmountable difficulties there and even put some races at risk.
The compromise is a smaller turbocharger. The engine is meant to sound noticeably louder than the current units without breaking the noise limits in force at some circuits.
How much electric power will remain?
Electrification stays, though on a smaller scale. The regulations are expected to specify a simplified 100 kW electric motor, compared with 350 kW in the current generation of power units. The aim is to keep a technological link to road cars without the complexity of today's designs.
The current engines will also change. The power split between the combustion engine and the electric side is 50/50 today and is due to move to 60/40 by 2028. That shift is meant to reduce the need to save energy on qualifying laps.
What will replace DRS for overtaking?
DRS was used until the end of the 2025 season, and nothing suggests it will return. A push-to-pass system similar to the one used in IndyCar is under consideration, allowing a driver to increase power temporarily under certain conditions.
According to Crash.net, the new mode would not differ significantly from the current boost mode on the 2026 cars. The FIA and the manufacturers still need to reach a final agreement on push-to-pass.
When could the new engines debut?
The introduction date for the new regulations remains open. According to sources, 2030 or 2031 is on the table. A 2030 debut would cut the current technical cycle short by one year.
The manufacturers stress that they need the final details before the end of this year.