Formula 1 is unlikely to return to the iconic V8 or V10 engines for several years, according to F1 chief technical officer Pat Symonds.
Symonds confirmed that discussions about reintroducing smaller, high-revving engines reminiscent of those that defined an era of Formula 1 are underway, but any significant change will take time.
The sport is currently preparing to introduce a new power unit regulation for 2026, focusing on smaller turbo hybrid engines with a greatly increased electrical component. Despite ongoing talks about a potential return to simpler and louder engines in the future, Symonds suggested that such a move is still far from becoming reality.
“We are starting to talk about what comes next, post-2026. That might be a time when we have to look at the future,” Symonds explained. “There is no doubt people love the sound and feel of those engines. We love them too. But the reality is, if we were to go that way, it would still be many years away.”
Formula 1 transitioned from V8 engines to the current hybrid turbo era in 2014, a move that received mixed reactions due to the quieter sound and complex technology. However, in recent seasons, there has been growing interest among fans and stakeholders for a return to the rawer sound and simplicity of the pre-hybrid era.
Symonds stressed that sustainability remains a key pillar of Formula 1’s long-term strategy, regardless of the engine format. “Whatever we do, it has to be sustainable,” he said. “We are committed to net-zero carbon by 2030, so any future engine will need to be compatible with that objective.”
While Formula 1 has not ruled out a shift towards more traditional engines after 2026, the emphasis remains on developing technologies that align with environmental targets and the future direction of global mobility.
