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Formula One will switch to V8 engines by 2030/31, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed. The decision follows the introduction of a new engine era this season, with power units now split roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power and running on fully sustainable fuel.

This shift marked the biggest overhaul of engine regulations in more than a decade, but it has drawn criticism from leading drivers. Fourtime world champion Max Verstappen has described the latest machines as 'just not fun to drive', likening them to Formula E. Lewis Hamilton also voiced frustration at the complexity of the new technical regulations.

The possibility of Formula 1 returning to V8 or V10 engines running on sustainable fuels was first floated by Ben Sulayem last year. However, the idea was dismissed by powerunit manufacturers, who had already committed to the new hybrid system.

The current power unit remains hugely expensive for both manufacturers and customers, even without the MGUH. It is also heavy, largely because of the sizeable battery required to support the electrical element. With sustainable fuels becoming a growing priority, manufacturers are now more open to exploring different engine directions in F1.

"It's coming," warned Ben Sulayem before referring to a switch back to V8s or V10s. "Oh yes, it is coming. At the end of the day, it's a matter of time.

"In 2031, the FIA will have the power to do it, without any votes from the PUMs [power unit manufacturers]. That's the regulations. But we want to bring it one year earlier, which everyone [externally] now is asking for. When you try to tell them [the PUMs] they say no, but what will come, will come, and it [the power] will come back to the FIA."

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As to the reasons behind the switch, Ben Sulayem added: "Let's not talk about the technical side of it. Let's talk about the mission of it. The mission will be less complication, not like now. When the MGU-H was there before, it was there to serve a purpose, but none of the manufacturers benefited from it in the real world. Now, with just the MGU-K, it's the same engine. It's turbo, it's 1.6 litre."

Although V8s are the preferred route, the new units will not be a straightforward normallyaspirated design. "I feel like a V10...if I ask any of the manufacturers who are in F1 now if they produce any cars with a V10, an era that many of the cars had, but now, no," Ben Sulayem explained.

"The most popular and easiest to work with is the V8. You get the sound, less complexity, lightweight. You will hear about it very soon, and it will be with a very, very minor electrification, but the main one will be the engine. It will not be something like now, which is a 46-54 split. There will be very minimal [electric] power. The V8, you see it [in road cars] with Ferrari, Mercedes, Audi, Cadillac. You see it with most of the manufacturers, and that gives you a lightweight car."

While refusing to put a definite date down for the introduction, the FIA president said: "I'm targeting 2030. One year before the maturity [of the regulations]. It will happen. They want it to happen. But let's say the manufacturers don't [vote for it], then one more year and it will be done. It's not a matter of, 'Do I need their support?' No, it will be done. V8 is coming."

V8 engines last featured in the sport from 2006 to 2013.

The Miami Grand Prix returns on Sunday evening, having originally been scheduled for 9pm BST. Thestart time has been brought forward by three hours due to the risk of thunder and lightning in the area, with officials confirming a new 6pm BST slot after extensive discussions.