For months, the future of Formula 1 has been at the centre of a debate that extends far beyond the design of the next power unit. The discussion now encompasses technical philosophy, the quality of racing, sustainability and even the very identity of the sport.
The 2026 regulations generated significant doubts long before they made their competitive debut, and those concerns have only been reinforced by what has been seen on track. As a result, the conversation is already shifting toward the generation of technical regulations that will follow.
The engine debate goes far beyond engineering
The balance between the internal combustion engine and the electrical component of today’s power units has made an already highly sophisticated system even more complex. It is therefore no surprise that, within the FIA, support has gradually grown for the idea of returning to engine architectures that place the combustion engine back at the heart of Formula 1.
In this context, the prospect of a naturally aspirated V8 has gained increasing momentum. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has never hidden his enthusiasm for such a solution, and while no official decision has been made, the idea appears far more realistic today than it did just a few months ago.
Among the drivers who have publicly shared their views is Esteban Ocon, who has described in detail what he believes would be the ideal engine for the future of Formula 1.
More displacement, fewer compromises and a supporting hybrid system
In Ocon’s vision of Formula 1, the internal combustion engine should once again become the undisputed star of the show. He imagines a naturally aspirated V8—while not completely ruling out a V10—with significantly greater displacement than the 2.4-litre engines used during Formula 1’s last naturally aspirated era.
The goal would be to develop 3.5- or even 4.0-litre engines capable of producing around 900 horsepower purely from the combustion engine. Hybrid technology would not disappear altogether, but it would play a much less dominant role than under the 2026 regulations, contributing an additional 100 to 150 horsepower.
“A naturally aspirated engine, without a turbo, a V8 or a V10. I think the V8s were the best engines Formula 1 has ever had. Probably with a bigger displacement—not 2.4 litres, but 3.5 or 4 litres to reach 900 horsepower. Then I’d add between 100 and 150 horsepower with the hybrid system. That would give the engine much more character.”
According to the French driver, as reported by Automoto.it, this is not simply a question of sound—a topic that inevitably comes up whenever naturally aspirated engines are discussed. The real issue concerns the way the cars behave on track and the level of driver involvement, both of which risk being sacrificed in favour of increasingly complex technological systems.
“If those were the regulations, everyone would go crazy. It would be fantastic, even for us drivers. Not just because of the sound, but also because of the driving dynamics. I’m convinced Formula 1 will move in that direction in the future.”
Ocon’s comments come amid a wider debate in which Max Verstappen has also been one of the leading voices. The Dutchman has been among the strongest critics of the current generation of power units, even suggesting that Formula 1’s future technical direction could influence his own decision about how long he remains in the sport.
Ocon, however, does not believe such a scenario is likely. Instead, he sees a positive sign in the fact that the FIA, Formula 1 and the manufacturers have started paying closer attention to feedback from the drivers, acknowledging that some of the original concepts behind the regulations required reconsideration.
“He won’t leave. It’s obvious that if we were to lose a race-winning driver because of the technical regulations, it would be a problem. But that’s not going to happen. They’re listening to us, and we’re moving in the right direction. I think there’s general agreement that things were too complicated at the beginning of the year. Measures have already been taken, and that’s a positive step.”
His comments perfectly capture the current moment in Formula 1. Although the new regulations have only recently come into force, the paddock already seems to be looking beyond them. The key question is no longer simply which engine Formula 1 will use in the future, but what kind of technical identity the sport wants to rediscover over the next decade. And the return of the naturally aspirated V8, once dismissed as little more than nostalgic wishful thinking, is increasingly beginning to look like a realistic direction for the championship’s future.
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