Simpler, cheaper hybrid V8s proposed for next F1 rules — SkimNews
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- FIA sent a proposal document to the six engine manufacturers for discussion, with the new regulations intended for 2030 or 2031; the stated aims include lighter, more responsive cars, greater driver-skill emphasis, lower costs, easier manufacturer entry and reduced emissions.
- The proposed V8 combines a 2–2.3-litre combustion engine, a smaller turbo and 200kW of hybrid recovery, down from 350kW; 100kW would be available continuously and another 100kW through push-to-pass or overtake mode, with roughly 900bhp supplied by combustion. The wider package targets an 80kg reduction in car weight.
- Two implementation routes are offered: a minimally disruptive 2.1-litre V8 made by adding two cylinders to current 1.6-litre blocks and reducing the turbo and MGU-K, or a more controversial standardized baseline power unit supplied by an external manufacturer for limited customization.
- Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi, Honda, Red Bull and Cadillac broadly accept the fundamental architecture, but insiders say all six want to design and build their own power units so engines remain a performance differentiator.
- The engine budget cap is proposed for a 50% cut from $190m (£143m) per year, but the document treats that figure as a starting point and flags workforce adjustments and the cost of developing existing and new engines simultaneously.
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem initially proposed naturally aspirated V10s and more recently pushed naturally aspirated V8s, but the FIA document now takes a turbocharged middle ground; with contracts binding the FIA, teams and the commercial rights holder through 2030, his earlier threat to impose 2031 rules unilaterally has receded.
- Fernando Alonso called F1 the "battery world championship" and Max Verstappen called the current rules "Formula E on steroids" and anti-racing; both later tempered their criticism after F1’s bosses made immediate rule changes and began work on the new engine direction.
Why it matters: For F1’s six manufacturers, the proposed 50% cut in the annual engine cap from $190m (£143m) places a lower ceiling on engine spending, while the simpler V8 architecture targets lower production costs. The document still flags workforce adjustments, simultaneous old-and-new engine development and the 2030/2031 timing choice ahead of a December World Council submission.
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