FIA eyes independent V8 engine supplier for 2031

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has revealed fresh details of Formula 1’s planned post-2030 engine formula, including the possibility of an independent supplier for customer teams.

Amid widespread criticism of the all-new 2026 regulations, Formula 1 is already working on a simpler, lighter and less expensive engine formula for 2031 centred on V8 power.

Ben Sulayem has repeatedly indicated the next generation of engines will retain only a limited hybrid element while dramatically reducing cost, weight and complexity whilst adding noise.

Now, the FIA president says customer teams could also be supplied by an independent manufacturer selected by the governing body.

"There will be no control over the teams, over Team A versus Team B, which receives the engines," Ben Sulayem said during a roundtable with British media at Silverstone.

"If it’s economically viable, we’ll have one engine for all the B teams, so no one can leverage them and say, ’Vote this way, otherwise we won’t give you a good engine’."

"It will be an engine selected by the FIA that will be allowed to the teams."

The proposal would reduce manufacturers’ influence over customer teams while giving independents an alternative to traditional supply agreements.

Ben Sulayem believes the new formula could cut research and development costs by as much as 50 percent while also reducing car weight by around 100 kilograms.

The FIA is also studying whether refuelling should return alongside the new engine regulations, although Ben Sulayem acknowledged the financial and logistical implications still need to be assessed.

"It’s not a problem if it’s done right," he said.

"We’re studying the issue, and so far nothing has been done."