There’s a storm brewing in Formula 1 — and no, it’s not just another rain-threatened qualifying. Behind the scenes, some pretty bold ideas are being floated for 2029, and if even half of them happen, the sport could look and sound very different.
During the British Grand Prix weekend, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem dropped a bit of a surprise: the sport might ditch its ultra-complicated hybrid power units in favor of simpler, louder, and way more affordable V8 engines — running entirely on sustainable fuel.
Why Talk About V8s Again?
Let’s face it — the new 2026 hybrid engines aren’t exactly budget-friendly. Development is expected to cost nearly $200 million per team, and each power unit could be close to $2 million. That’s wild.
The rumored 2029 switch would bring things back to basics: naturally-aspirated V8s, maybe with just a small hybrid boost. That could cut costs in half, make the cars lighter, and yep — bring back the old-school engine noise that fans still dream about. The kind that shakes your chest on the straights? That.
Less Hybrid, Still Green
Right now, the 2026 rules say 50% of the car’s power should come from electric motors. But in this 2029 plan? That drops to around 10% hybrid, with the rest coming from sustainable combustion engines.
Smaller batteries. Simpler systems. Easier to maintain and build. Still eco-conscious — F1 would continue running on 100% sustainable fuels either way. It’s not a step back in terms of responsibility, just a possible step sideways in terms of practicality.
Nikolas Tombazis (one of F1’s top technical people) even said they might tweak the 2026 plan halfway through — if something better comes along.
GM Wants In — And They’re Not Alone
Here’s where it gets more real: General Motors (Cadillac) just got the green light from the FIA to make engines. They’re aiming for 2029, building a new facility in Charlotte to make it happen.
Why now? Well, if V8s return, development becomes cheaper and more relevant to road cars — something carmakers like Audi, Honda, Ford, and GM care a lot about.
Cheaper, louder cars with real manufacturer tech? That’s a grid people want to watch.
China on the Grid?
Adding to the shake-up: there’s serious talk of an 11th F1 team, possibly from China. Sulayem has reportedly had talks with companies like Geely (the group behind Volvo, Lotus, and others).
But it’s not just about sticking a Chinese flag on the timing screens — the FIA wants real value, both competitively and commercially. Think sponsors, talent development, fan base — the whole package.
But Don’t Call It Done Yet
Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. This isn’t confirmed. Some teams have already poured millions into the 2026 engine formula. Suddenly changing direction might not go down well with big players like Audi and GM.
If F1 wants to change course, they’d need to decide by mid-2025, otherwise it’ll be too late for teams to adjust.
So What Would F1 Look Like in 2029?
If this all comes together — and that’s still a big “if” — we might be looking at:
- The return of screaming V8s (lighter, cheaper, and meaner)
- Simplified hybrid tech (less complexity, more reliability)
- A bigger, more diverse grid (GM, Audi, Ford, Honda… maybe China?)
- A sound that fans have been begging to hear again for over a decade
It’s a lot to imagine, but one thing’s clear: F1 is still evolving. And the idea of bringing back the old roar with a new conscience? That’s a mix many fans would be happy to hear.
