F1 Paddock Talk: V8 Engines Teased for a Return and Horner's Simulator Claims
The sound of V8s could return to F1, and Christian Horner has the paddock talking again.
The cars are on track in Austin for the United States Grand Prix, but two off-track stories have dominated conversation in the paddock this week.
V8 Engines: "Watch This Space"
The sound fans miss most could be coming back. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem teased imminent news about Formula 1's long-awaited return to V8 engines in the next decade, telling reporters to "watch this space."
F1 currently races with turbocharged hybrid power units, and the 2026 regulations made electric power a far bigger part of the package. A move to V8s would mark a major change in direction. F1 cars already run on fully sustainable fuel under the current rules.
Nothing has been formally announced. But the FIA president publicly hinting at it suggests discussions are advanced, and fans who grew up on the scream of naturally aspirated engines will be watching closely.
Horner's Simulator Claim
Christian Horner, who led Red Bull for two decades before being replaced by Laurent Mekies in July 2025, made headlines on the High Performance podcast. He claimed that George Russell, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri all paid to use Red Bull's simulator in Milton Keynes when they were young drivers on the way up.
Russell responded to the claim this week, and the story quickly spread across the paddock. Paying for simulator time is not unusual for junior drivers trying to get an edge, but hearing that three of today's top drivers once paid Red Bull for it made for a juicy headline.
Horner also revealed that Red Bull's shareholders called to thank him after the Red Bull Ford Powertrains engine, a project he started, scored its first Formula 1 victory in Malaysia.
The Title Race Rolls On
On track, the story of the season remains Kimi Antonelli, who can clinch the championship in Austin. Read how in our Antonelli title explainer, and brush up on the F1 points system.
Elsewhere in electric racing, Formula E is preparing for its most powerful car yet. Read about the Gen4 era and the latest driver moves.
Follow the paddock all season in our Formula 1 coverage.
Background from Wikipedia
Formula One engines
This article gives an outline of Formula One engines, also called Formula One power units since the hybrid era starting in 2014. Since its inception in 1947, Formula One has used a variety of engine regulations. Formulae limiting engine capacity had been used in Grand Prix racing on a regular basis since after World War I. The engine formulae are divided according to era.
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Is F1 bringing back V8 engines?
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has teased imminent news about a return to V8 engines in the next decade, saying 'watch this space.' Nothing has been formally confirmed yet.
What did Christian Horner say about Red Bull's simulator?
Horner said on the High Performance podcast that George Russell, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri once paid to use Red Bull's simulator before reaching F1.
When was Christian Horner dismissed by Red Bull?
Horner was replaced as Red Bull team principal by Laurent Mekies in July 2025.
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