P1racenews AI automatic summary:
With an important meeting to discuss a switch to V8 engines cancelled last weekend, here’s what’s really going on with F1’s engine future
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem surprised Formula 1 engine manufacturers at Monza by canceling a summit meeting to discuss a switch to V8 engines for 2029. Despite ongoing discussions, reaching a framework agreement on transitioning to V8 engines fueled by sustainable fuel hit a roadblock. Ben Sulayem had called for a meeting on September 11 in London to push for an agreement. Differences in opinions among manufacturers included the presence of a turbo element and the level of contribution of a battery hybrid element to overall power. The timing of the switch also divided opinions, with Ben Sulayem aiming for 2029, but major manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari favoring 2030. The decision requires a ‘super-majority’ of four manufacturers, with 2030 being a more feasible option than 2029 due to lack of consensus among key players.
