Marko says 2030 turbo V8 F1 engine plan is a 'done deal'

Helmut Marko said Formula 1's planned return to turbo V8 engines in 2030 is a "done deal." He framed it as his understanding of the situation.

The comment followed a troubled weekend at Sepang in Malaysia, where the relocated 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix drew a record 261,000 fans. The event was disrupted by a major rain delay and a controversial software glitch linked to the complexity of the 2026 regulations.

Those technical failures made the weekend an embarrassing one for Formula 1's leadership, according to Motorsport.com. Marko's engine claim was reported in that context by multiple outlets.