Formula 1 CEO reveals intentions to adopt new 'more noisy' engines by 2030

As FIA along with F1 chiefs and grid managers are looking to finalize the rules and regulations for the 2026 season, there is buzz around engine change. According to various insider reports FIA is keen to change the 15-year-old engine policy to use new engines from the 2030 season. 

These engines are being bought to push for the noisier engines on the grid. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali reveals that he can consider new engine rules for 2030 to enhance the fan experience with more noise. Options include exploring new technologies or reverting to old-school V8s to meet F1's standards. 

While speaking to media he said, “As soon as the 2026 regulations are defined, we will start to think about what the next steps will be, such as the 2030 engine. It is a personal consideration of mine, not yet shared with the teams, even if we have spoken about it with the FIA, that if sustainable fuels work, we will need to carefully evaluate whether to continue with hybrid (technology) or whether better solutions will be available."

Will V8 be the scapegoat?

Domenicali didn't specify alternatives, but sustainable fuel success might negate environmental concerns against V8s. This shift could also address weight reduction which has been a key focus for F1 cars. Earlier, Max Verstappen has expressed a desire for F1 to transition to V8s.

He had said, "I would get rid of the hybrid. I think all the time, when I jump back in a V8, I am always so surprised at how smooth the engine is. The top speed is slow compared to what we have now, but it's just the pick-up of the engine and the torque. It's so smooth the whole delivery process: the downshift, and the upshifts. It's so much more natural to what we have."

Meanwhile, Domenicali provided an update on the 2026 regulations, indicating they'll be finalized before the June 30 deadline. "Alignment between involved parties has progressed," he stated. The regulations are set for publication on June 1, with the FIA detailing numerous changes thereafter.