Bernie Ecclestone, former Formula 1 chief, told the press at the Austrian Grand Prix that the series is set to adopt a larger, cheaper engine for its next rule cycle, with a V8, V10 or V12 on the table for 2031.
FIA pushes for louder, cheaper power units
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has urged the governing body to make a shift to bigger, louder engines that cost less to develop. Ecclestone agrees, saying the change “is the right thing to do.” He singled out a three‑liter capacity as the ideal size, noting that any major production is welcome.
Technological drivers behind the change
The move is motivated by the rise of sustainable fuels and the traditional automotive industry’s pivot toward electric vehicles. A return to high‑cylinder, high‑revving internal combustion engines would pair with a simplified hybrid system, a combination that experts believe will bring development costs down.
Drivers speak on current power‑unit complexity
Max Verstappen has consistently argued that the current 2026 power‑unit regulations are overly complex, citing an over‑emphasis on energy management that detracts from the purity of driving. Ecclestone defended Verstappen’s criticisms, suggesting that the regulations have become unnecessary complications.
He added that the balance between combustion power and electric energy will shift to a 58/42 split for the following year, a figure that could ease the burden on teams. Ecclestone further argued that manufacturers would likely embrace the transition if it isn’t tightly controlled.
Manufacturers’ support and the future of F1 engines
Ecclestone anticipates that teams will rally behind the proposed engine tweaks, believing the collective push will strengthen the series. He said all teams would be “happy,” especially if the changes are free from manufacturer interference.
The decision to reshape engine specifications remains in discussion, with teams, the FIA and the F1 board on the lookout for consensus ahead of the 2031 regulation cycle.
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