Formula One's Potential Return to V8 Engines: What You Need to Know
'To us, the V8 is happening... FOM (Formula One Management) is supportive, the teams are realising it is the right way,' Ben Sulayem said during the British Grand Prix weekend.
But what exactly are V8 engines, and why is their return creating such buzz?
What is a V8 engine in Formula One?
A V8 engine is a type of internal combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V-shape, four on each side. In F1, these engines were 2.4-litre naturally aspirated units, meaning they didn't rely on turbochargers or hybrid systems to boost performance. They were used in the sport from 2006 to 2013 before being replaced by today's 1.6-litre V6 turbo-hybrids.
Why do fans want them back?
Sound: The V8s were loud, aggressive, and high-revving — revving up to 18,000 rpm at their peak. Their shrill scream became a hallmark of F1 in the late 2000s.
Simplicity: Compared to the current complex hybrid power units (which include energy recovery systems and turbochargers), V8s are mechanically simpler and less expensive.
Weight: They are also lighter, potentially improving car balance and agility.
Ben Sulayem pointed out that R&D for the current engines is spiralling — 'reaching 200 million dollars' — while the engines themselves cost between $1.8 to $2.1 million. He suggested a return to simpler architecture could drive down costs and increase accessibility.
'Many of the manufacturers produce V8s in their cars, so commercially it's correct,' he added.
So, what's different this time?
The potential return isn't a full rewind. These V8s would be powered by 100% sustainable fuel, aligning with F1's broader carbon-neutral ambitions. That could allow the sport to retain some of its visceral thrills while still pushing toward environmental responsibility.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
3 hours ago
- First Post
With Brad Pitt's 'F1' success, rising star Damson Idris enters Hollywood's fast lane
The British-Nigerian actor was in the zone, in character, filming the high-octane summer movie 'F1' with Brad Pitt at some of the world's most famous racetracks read more Damson Idris was trying to tune out the noise, but that's a little difficult at a Formula One race. The British-Nigerian actor was in the zone, in character, filming the high-octane summer movie 'F1' with Brad Pitt at some of the world's most famous racetracks. While Idris' profile has been rising in recent years, after six seasons starring in the FX series 'Snowfall,' there's nothing like being next to globally famous Formula One drivers and a Hollywood megastar to put things into perspective. He was pretty sure he was going to coast under the radar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Then he started hearing not just his own name from fans in the crowd but 'Franklin Saint,' too, the name of his drug kingpin character on 'Snowfall.' 'It's funny, because I see myself as a young actor who nobody knows,' Idris, 33, said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. Revving up to the next level Anonymity may already be a thing of the past for Idris, though. In May, he made a splash at the Met Gala, arriving in a full racing suit (branded with 'F1's' fictional team name APXGP) and a Swarovski crystal-studded helmet that he and two ushers removed to reveal a second look underneath. The boldness and theatricality of the stunt made it one of the most talked about moments at an event where everyone is trying to stand out. And things are poised to rev up even more when 'F1' opens globally Friday. Speeding into theaters on a wave of great reviews and the promise of a 'Top Gun: Maverick'-style spectacle, filmmaker Joseph Kosinski is pretty sure Idris is going to start hearing people shout 'Joshua Pearce' at him too. That's the name of Idris' character, the hotshot rookie driver of the worst team on the circuit who's desperate to prove himself and hang on to one of the coveted seats. 'I'm very excited for people to see him own this character and go toe to toe with a giant movie star,' Kosinski said. 'I think he can do anything. He's just super talented, and I feel like I'm lucky to see him at the beginning of what's going to be a pretty stratospheric launch.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Idris tries to seek out projects that challenge him and characters who are as different as possible — from each other and, especially, from him. Joshua Pearce fit the bill in a moment when he was preparing to say goodbye to Franklin Saint. After he read the 'F1' script, the character even infiltrated his dreams. 'I said to myself, 'Man, no one's going to be able to play this part like I will.' I remember writing Joe (Kosinski) a letter and telling him that,' Idris said. 'When we finally jumped in the cars for the first time, I was hooked. I was like, 'Yep this movie's mine. It's no one else's and I can't wait to give my all to it.' And that's exactly what I did.' Giving it his all at 180 mph 'F1' wouldn't just require playing a part. Both he and Pitt had to learn how to drive the cars at speeds of up to 180 mph. It took months of training behind the wheel the supervision of stunt drivers Luciano Bacheta and Craig Dolby, as well as physical training to adapt to the G-forces they'd feel in the car. When it came time to film, which they did with special cameras attached to the cars, sometimes they were driving during breaks at real races with hundreds of thousands of spectators around. Every time you see Idris' or Pitt's face in the car, Kosinski said, they're really driving that car. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'It's so insane. It's actually quicker in real life and it looks really fast on the screen,' Idris said. 'In a split second, a decision could be really detrimental. But I couldn't imagine doing this movie any other way. If it was on green screen, you'd be able to tell.' There's a bit of art-meets-life symmetry wrapped up in 'F1,' in which an up-and-comer teams up with a veteran. In the film, it's a reluctant pairing of two alphas. The mentorship is fraught, the lessons are hard-earned and the competition is not exactly friendly. Unlike Joshua, Idris is more than willing to get advice from those around him, whether it's producers like Jerry Bruckheimer and Jeremy Kleiner, his director Kosinski, or his co-stars, from Pitt to Javier Bardem. 'I speak to them every day and I ask for advice,' he said. 'The main focus is on stories, playing characters that I can be proud of and range. That's everything I'm setting out to do in this career.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Acting was not always the goal for Idris. Like many kids in South London, he once dreamed of being a soccer player. Sure, the idea of being a renowned athlete held some appeal, but he also loved the sheer discipline it required. Then, at age 18, he realized he'd never be as great as Lionel Messi. 'When I see him one day, hopefully I'm blessed to meet him, I'm going to tell him that he's the reason why I quit football, because he was so good,' he said. 'Wonderfully, acting is a subjective industry, so I can at least cheat my way into working with Brad Pitt.' Cheating is, of course, a bit of cheeky hyperbole for an actor who studied drama at university and continued training at London's Identity School of Acting afterward. Since he made his stage debut in Ade Solanke's 'Pandora's Box' over 10 years ago, Idris has been hitting the pavement like the rest of his peers. And he's just getting started. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What's next for Damson Idris Idris recently wrapped filming the Tomi Adeyemi adaptation 'Children of Bone and Blood' in Cape Town, South Africa. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, Idris plays Prince Inan in the African fantasy that co-stars Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Idris' idol and real-life mentor Idris Elba. 'It's not just a namesake,' Idris said. 'I feel so blessed to be able to say that I'm like his little brother and I can call him and get advice.' Next up, Idris will prepare to portray Miles Davis in Bill Pohlad's 'Miles & Juliette,' about the jazz legend's romance with French singer Juliette Gréco. He's also founded a fine jewelry line, named Didris, inspired by his mother, and is getting into producing as well — his production company has a deal with FX Networks and wants to make opportunities for emerging talents. And like his character in 'F1,' Idris is learning to block out the noise. He knows that a film career is a long journey and there will be ups and downs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'It's a huge moment, but I'm fortunate to have so many people in my life that keep me grounded,' Idris said. 'I've soaked in information from people I admire who say the same thing during these higher moments: Pinch yourself, stay grounded, remember where you came from. 'That's exactly how I'm walking through this portal and into these next couple of years. I'm excited, I'm humbled, I am blessed and I can't wait to see what the future brings.'
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
F1 may bring back loud V8 engines by 2029: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Image credit: Getty Images FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has suggested that Formula 1 could return to louder V8 engines by 2029. The last time V8 engines were used in F1 was back in 2013. Speaking to reporters during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, Ben Sulayem discussed the possibility of reintroducing V8s within the next four years. The V8 is happening: F1 set for roaring comeback by 2029 FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's primary motivation behind the move is to revive the thrill of the sport — both for long-time fans who miss the iconic roar of the V8s, and for a new generation eager to experience that same excitement. "To us, the V8 is happening. With the teams now, I'm very optimistic, happy about it. FOM [Formula One Management] are supportive, the teams are realising it is the right way,' Ben Sulayem said. — F1 (@F1) "We need to do it soon. You need three years, so hopefully by 2029 we have something there, but the fuel is also very expensive, and we have to be very careful with that. Transmissions are very expensive. The current engine is so complicated, you have no idea, and it is costly. R&D is reaching $200 million, and the engine is costing approximately $1.8m to $2.1m, so if we go with a straight V8, let's see," he added. With General Motors' Cadillac brand poised to join Formula 1 as the 11th team, Ben Sulayem also hinted at the possibility of a 12th team being added to the grid. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Steinfurt: Nur 700 Plätze. Werden Sie Testhörer für die neuen Hörgeräte ohne Zuzahlung. Gutes Hören Undo "The time will come when we feel it is right to open an expression of interest," he said of filling the 12th slot. But he made it clear, 'We are not here to upset other teams. It won't be just go and do it for the sake of doing it. It has to be worth it for us. The team has to add value to sustaining the business of Formula One." Also Read: British Grand Prix 2025: Lando Norris dominates home race with fourth win, Nico Hulkenberg claims maiden podium The next Formula 1 season will introduce new regulations, which are expected to benefit some teams while posing challenges for others in terms of on-track performance. For example, Adrian Newey is working on Aston Martin's 2026 F1 car which is expected to perform much better than the current one. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Formula One's Potential Return to V8 Engines: What You Need to Know
Formula One could bring back its iconic V8 engines — this time powered by fully sustainable fuel — as early as 2029, according to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The plan, still in exploratory stages, would mark a dramatic shift away from the current hybrid V6 era, in favour of simpler, louder, and lighter engines that evoke the sport's rawer past. 'To us, the V8 is happening... FOM (Formula One Management) is supportive, the teams are realising it is the right way,' Ben Sulayem said during the British Grand Prix weekend. But what exactly are V8 engines, and why is their return creating such buzz? What is a V8 engine in Formula One? A V8 engine is a type of internal combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V-shape, four on each side. In F1, these engines were 2.4-litre naturally aspirated units, meaning they didn't rely on turbochargers or hybrid systems to boost performance. They were used in the sport from 2006 to 2013 before being replaced by today's 1.6-litre V6 turbo-hybrids. Why do fans want them back? Sound: The V8s were loud, aggressive, and high-revving — revving up to 18,000 rpm at their peak. Their shrill scream became a hallmark of F1 in the late 2000s. Simplicity: Compared to the current complex hybrid power units (which include energy recovery systems and turbochargers), V8s are mechanically simpler and less expensive. Weight: They are also lighter, potentially improving car balance and agility. Ben Sulayem pointed out that R&D for the current engines is spiralling — 'reaching 200 million dollars' — while the engines themselves cost between $1.8 to $2.1 million. He suggested a return to simpler architecture could drive down costs and increase accessibility. 'Many of the manufacturers produce V8s in their cars, so commercially it's correct,' he added. So, what's different this time? The potential return isn't a full rewind. These V8s would be powered by 100% sustainable fuel, aligning with F1's broader carbon-neutral ambitions. That could allow the sport to retain some of its visceral thrills while still pushing toward environmental responsibility. (With inputs from Reuters)
