Overview
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed on Monday that the body is targeting a switch to naturally aspirated V8 power units for the 2031 rules cycle with a possible move to 2030 if manufacturers agree.
- The proposed V8s would be lighter than current V6 turbo‑hybrids but would burn more fuel, which the FIA says could be managed by smaller tanks and a return to mid‑race refuelling.
- Ben Sulayem told reporters the FIA is actively studying refuelling with sustainable fuels and higher electrification levels while stressing no decision has been made.
- A second proposal would let the FIA approve a neutral third‑party engine supplier for customer teams and limit how many teams a manufacturer may supply to prevent leverage over rivals.
- The Concorde Agreement runs to the end of 2030, so the FIA could impose a 2031 change without PUM votes but is seeking OEM buy‑in and warns a supermajority of Power Unit Manufacturers could speed the shift to 2030.