Coulthard and Buxton Back FIA's V8 Return Plan for 2031

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard and former F1 TV presenter Will Buxton have thrown their weight behind FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's pledge to reintroduce V8 engines to Formula 1 by 2031, with a possible debut as early as 2030. The radical shift away from current hybrid power units is being framed as a return to the sport's raw roots, and both figures see it as a long-overdue win for the grid and the grandstands.

Why it matters:

The return of V8s would fundamentally rewrite F1's engine philosophy, prioritizing visceral sound and power over the complex hybrid efficiency that has dominated since 2014. This decision could redefine the sport's identity at a time when fan engagement and sustainability debates are front and center.

The details:

• Ben Sulayem confirmed that starting in 2031, the FIA will have unilateral authority to mandate the change without needing approval from power unit manufacturers (PUMs). He is targeting 2030 as the earliest possible introduction.
• Will Buxton, despite his frequent criticism of Sulayem's leadership, fully endorsed the plan: "There's not a lot about Mohammed Ben Sulayem's reign of terror that I am particularly a fan of, but this I am very much so. This returns us to something that the fans want, that the drivers want."
• David Coulthard added a sustainability angle: a naturally aspirated V8 running on biofuels could be zero-emission and 100% recyclable – unlike current lithium-ion batteries. "You can take all of those engine parts, crush them down, melt them, and then reuse them again," he said.
• The timeline also allows the FIA to weather criticism in the short term while building toward a fan-friendly future. Coulthard noted: "He clearly is taking a position right now to deal with all of the negativity over the next couple of years."

The big picture:

The V8 revival signals that F1 is willing to pivot away from the electrification-first mindset that defined recent regulation cycles. Coulthard reminded listeners that F1's original purpose – to create the most powerful, fastest machines – should remain its North Star. With the 2026 regulations yet to fully land, this early declaration sets the stage for a dramatic reshaping of the sport's engine identity by the end of the decade.