Ecclestone Backs Push for Bigger F1 Engines by 2031

Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has publicly backed a potential return to bigger, louder engines by 2031, throwing his weight behind FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. Ecclestone believes abandoning the current complex power units in favor of a simpler 3-litre formula is the right path for the sport's future.

Why it matters:

The hybrid era has drawn sustained criticism for prioritizing energy management over raw driving appeal, with top drivers questioning the direction of the regulations. A shift to high-revving V8 or V10 engines with a reduced hybrid footprint could lower costs, simplify the technology, and bring back the visceral sound that has been missing from the grid.

The details:

• The FIA wants larger engines in the next rules cycle, currently set for 2031 but potentially moving to 2030 if manufacturers unanimously agree.
• Sustainable fuel advances and a shifting automotive industry stance on EVs have made high-cylinder combustion engines politically and commercially viable again.
• Ecclestone's view: Speaking at the Austrian Grand Prix, the former F1 supremo said he supports a 3-litre engine regardless of cylinder count, calling the move "the right thing to do."
• Driver criticism: Ecclestone backed Max Verstappen's complaints about the current regulations, agreeing that the unnecessary complexity has hurt the racing product and driver enjoyment.
• Manufacturer buy-in: Ecclestone predicted manufacturers will ultimately support the changes, arguing that cost reductions and a clearer technical direction make the proposal difficult to resist.

What's next:

While smaller adjustments to the current power unit formula continue in the short term, the major strategic battle is over the 2031 framework. If the FIA can align the manufacturers behind a simpler, bigger-engine formula, Formula 1 could stage its most significant technical reset in over a decade.