The clash over the 2031 power unit pits FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem against the six engine builders shaping F1’s future. Sulayem pushes a naturally aspirated V8 with a modest KERS to restore pure racing sound. Mercedes and Audi favour a turbocharged layout, while Ferrari, Cadillac and Red Bull keep options open.

Turbochargers would mute the rev‑hunting scream that once hit 19,000 rpm, a point Sulayem insists on preserving. KERS is expected to contribute 10‑20% of total power, avoiding the lift‑and‑coast issues of 2026. The FIA also targets a car weight around 700kg, reviving the long‑dormant idea of in‑race refuelling to shave over 50 kg.

All parties agree lighter, cheaper units benefit the sport, yet they diverge on how to achieve it. Mercedes argues a turbo‑based design aligns with road‑car tech and cost efficiency, whereas Sulayem warns that sacrificing engine note could alienate a fan base half under 35 who never heard a V8 roar live. The engine battle remains unresolved.

If refuelling returns, teams could run smaller fuel tanks, cutting start‑grid mass by more than 50 kg and simplifying chassis packaging. Critics point to logistics, noting that the 2023 tyre‑set reduction reflects F1’s sustainability drive, and adding refuelling rigs would reverse that progress. Until a consensus emerges, the 2031 engine formula stays in flux.