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FIA Mulls Third-Party Engines, V8 Cost Cuts for 2031

7/7/2026

32 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the FIA will consider third-party engines from 2031.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem and chief Stefano Domenicali said the 2031 rules will require naturally aspirated V8s to cut costs.
Power-unit contracts run to 2030, keeping Mercedes, Red Bull, Ford and Ferrari as suppliers.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown wrote to Mohammed Ben Sulayem about Red Bull’s dual ownership and a failed Mercedes-Alpine stake deal.

History

Historical Context

After the FIA’s 2005 decision to replace 3.0-litre V10s with 2.4-litre V8s for the 2006 season, power fell about 20 % and Ferrari began testing its Tipo 056 in August 2005. The V8 formula, used by Mercedes-AMG as well, lasted until 2013, when the 2014 introduction of 1.6-litre V6-hybrid units marked a new cost-saving era.

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Story summary

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the FIA will consider third-party engines from 2031.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem and chief Stefano Domenicali said the 2031 rules will require naturally aspirated V8s to cut costs.
Power-unit contracts run to 2030, keeping Mercedes, Red Bull, Ford and Ferrari as suppliers.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown wrote to Mohammed Ben Sulayem about Red Bull’s dual ownership and a failed Mercedes-Alpine stake deal.

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