FIA president makes V8 'white paper' wish as Liam Lawson F1 future questioned

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has called for a formal "white paper" to evaluate a potential return to V8 engines in Formula 1, injecting fresh uncertainty into the sport's long-term power unit roadmap. The proposal headlines a busy Hungarian Grand Prix media day that also saw Red Bull weighing Liam Lawson's future at Racing Bulls amid growing pressure from junior prospect Nikola Tsolov.

Why it matters:

Reopening the V8 debate threatens to disrupt the current engine consensus and could force manufacturers to rethink commitments to the 2026 regulations. At the same time, Lawson's precarious seat highlights Red Bull's ruthless approach to driver management, with just 39 points from 10 rounds and a recent internal investigation into a Belgium deficit to teammate Arvid Lindblad amplifying speculation.

The Details:

• Engine Uncertainty: Ben Sulayem's white paper wish reignites a contentious discussion about F1's power unit direction just as teams adapt to complex 2026 hybrid rules.
• Lawson Under Fire: Despite standout moments, Lawson faced what he called a "big deficit" to Lindblad at Spa, prompting his side of the garage to launch an investigation.
• Waiting in the Wings: Red Bull junior Tsolov is reportedly ready to step in, raising the stakes for Lawson as the season reaches its midpoint.
• Driver Concerns: Lando Norris urged the sport to "sack off" batteries, describing the complex energy management tightrope drivers must navigate.
• Red Bull Optimism: Simulator driver Sebastien Buemi insisted a Verstappen victory is a "matter of time," while Aston Martin arrived in Hungary rumored to have completed an extensive car redesign.

What's next:

With on-track action set to resume at the Hungaroring, Lawson faces a critical weekend to prove he deserves to keep his seat. Meanwhile, any formal FIA movement on a V8 white paper is likely to spark fierce debate among power unit manufacturers already stretched by the current regulatory cycle.