Overview
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem disclosed in early July that the governing body is studying a move to naturally aspirated V8 power units, the possible reintroduction of mid‑race refuelling, and an FIA‑selected independent engine for customer teams.
- The V8 proposal would pair a smaller hybrid system with more basic internal combustion units to cut engine R&D costs and reduce car weight by targets the FIA has cited of roughly 50 percent and about 100 kilograms respectively.
- Refuelling is being examined because V8s would raise fuel needs; the FIA says smaller tanks plus pit stops could protect weight savings while using sustainable fuels and preserving some electrification.
- The independent engine idea would let the FIA approve a neutral, off‑the‑shelf supplier for teams that do not build their own power units to limit manufacturer leverage in technical or voting matters.
- All ideas remain at the study stage with no binding decisions, and any unilateral rule change can only take effect after current Concorde Agreement and power‑unit deals expire at the end of 2030 unless manufacturers agree to fast‑track implementation.