FIA Studies Independent F1 Engine to Limit Manufacturer Power

The FIA is exploring the possibility of introducing an independent engine for Formula 1’s next regulatory cycle as part of a wider effort to reduce manufacturer influence over customer teams.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has signalled his intention for grand prix racing to return to V8 engines under the next set of rules, which is expected to begin in either 2030 or 2031. Discussions are ongoing over how the regulation framework should be designed.

One proposal under consideration is the creation of an “FIA-selected engine” that could be made available to customer teams. The concept has been compared to the off-the-shelf Cosworth design used by HRT, Caterham, and Virgin Racing when new teams joined the grid ahead of the 2010 season.

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The central rationale is to reduce the political and technical leverage engine manufacturers may hold over their customer outfits. In the modern F1 structure, power unit supply relationships can carry strategic weight, particularly when competitive interests and commercial dependencies overlap.

On the 2026 grid, Mercedes HPP supplies Mercedes, McLaren, Alpine, and Williams. Ferrari supplies Ferrari, Cadillac, and Haas, while Red Bull Powertrains supplies the two Red Bull GmbH teams, Red Bull and Racing Bulls. Audi operates as a works team, with Aston Martin holding a quasi-works status alongside Honda.

“There will be no control over the teams, A-team over the B-team, that's supplied with their engines,” Ben Sulayem is quoted as saying by Reuters.

“If it is affordable, then we will have one engine for the rest of the B-teams, so nobody can leverage them and tell them to 'vote this way, or we are not going to give you a good engine',” he added.

Alongside the V8 direction, the FIA is also studying the potential return of refuelling, last used in Formula 1 in 2009. Ben Sulayem stressed that no decision has yet been made, but the concept is being examined together with sustainable fuel and electrification, with the possibility of more than 10 percent electrification still open.