In general, the manufacturers seem not opposed to the idea of changing the engines, nor to the principle of switching to a V8.

This is important, because Ben Sulayem was outflanked by the manufacturers when he last tried switching to a naturally aspirated engine, a V10, a little over a year ago.

There is also general agreement on the need to reduce costs after the expense of developing the latest engines.

But there is no agreement on exactly what the architecture of the engine will look like.

Mercedes have said they are “open” to discussions, and their F1 boss Toto Wolff said in Miami that they “loved V8s”.

But Wolff also added: “How do we give it enough energy from the battery side to not lose connection to the real world? Because if we swing 100% combustion, we might be looking a bit ridiculous in 2031 or 2030. So we need to consider that, make it simpler and make it a better engine.”

Honda told BBC Sport in a statement a return to V8s “is something we should discuss healthily, the FIA and the stakeholders, while ensuring that it is for the benefit of the fans”.

In his Car and Driver interview, Ben Sulayem mentioned an engine with a capacity of between 2.6 and three litres, with 10% of its total power provided by the electrical elements. Some insiders say that in reality he would prefer 5% or even zero electricity, but knows that won’t fly.

F1 boss Stefano Domenicali is also open to a V8, but at the same time he has spoken enthusiastically about the new style of back-and-forth – or “yo-yo racing” – created by this year’s engines. And that has come about because of the increased electrification. Remove it, and all the levers F1 has to continue this style of racing disappear.

Equally, Mercedes driver George Russell has pointed out that F1 20 years ago – at the time of naturally aspirated engines – “arguably was the purest Formula 1 we’ve ever seen, but the racing was dull”.

In reality, a figure in the region of 30% electrical power is said by some to be more realistic as a compromise.

And should the engine have a turbo? Audi, for one, is said to want that.

Honda said: “Regardless of the turbo or hybrid application or the format of the power-unit, we highly regard F1 as essential technological challenges.”

A turbo engine is not only arguably more road-relevant, but is also more efficient than a naturally aspirated one, which means less fuel, even if turbos and their associated architecture are heavy and complicated. It’s also less loud.

While initial discussions are taking place on this, the real conversations can only start when the FIA puts forward a blueprint for a proposal.

But given the time it usually takes to prepare for new engine rules – the current ones were started in 2020-21, for example – that needs to happen quite soon.

Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said rising jet fuel costs and supply risks could push European air fares higher.

The warning comes as airlines face mounting expenses due to ongoing instability in the Middle East.

He said there was still concern that the industry in the UK could face shortages of fuel over the summer.

I’m hoping that the Iran war makes flights way more expensive. Not for ecological reasons, I just don’t want to go on holiday with my partner anymore. All they do is play farming games on their phone, and they can easily do that at home without costing me £3k+.

— Fesshole🧻 (@fesshole) May 1, 2026

A government spokesman told the BBC : “UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel.”

This follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the conflict in Iran, a key transit route for fuel from the Middle East.

The UK and Europe typically depend on fuel imports from the region and have been racing to secure supplies from elsewhere.

Last week, the European Union confirmed that US-grade jet fuel could be used by European airlines as long as it was implemented safely.

Dan Jorgensen, the EU’s energy commissioner, said on Wednesday that a serious shortage was not expected in the short term but could not be ruled out in the longer term.

However, the chief executive of travel operator Tui, Sebastien Ebel, said he did not foresee shortages in the coming months.

Mr Walsh warned UK operators could still face difficulties, particularly during the busy holiday period.

He said: “You normally expect to see a 25% increase in flights and fuel requirements in the months of July and August versus, let’s say March.”

Mr Walsh added that if sufficient alternative supplies were not secured, shortages could occur.

However, he reassured consumers there was no need to panic and said widespread flight cancellations were not expected.

Are you worried about rising air fares? Let us know in the comments

LUCKNOW, India (AP) — Dust storms, heavy rain, and lightning damaged homes and other structures and killed at least 96 people in northern India, officials said Thursday.

The storms also injured more than 50 people as they swept across several districts late Wednesday in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state.

Officials said some deaths were caused by falling trees, collapsing structures and lightning. Police and disaster response teams used chainsaws and cranes to clear fallen trees from roads and railway tracks in several districts.

Storms are common in northern India during the hot season from March to June, before the annual monsoon rains arrive.

Narendra N. Srivastava, an administrative official, said emergency teams were deployed across the affected areas and that homes, crops and power infrastructure were widely damaged, particularly in rural districts.

In Prayagraj district, residents described panic as strong winds tore through neighborhoods.

“The storm came suddenly and the sky turned completely dark within minutes,” Ram Kishore said. “Tin roofs were flying and people ran indoors. We could hear trees falling throughout the evening.”

In neighboring Bhadohi district, Savitri Devi said her family narrowly escaped after strong winds damaged their mud house.

“We rushed outside when the walls started shaking because of the wind. Our roof collapsed moments later. We spent the night at a relative’s house,” she said.

Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered officials to complete relief operations within 24 hours and directed authorities to provide compensation and emergency aid to affected families.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he has “every reason to believe” he will remain in charge of the club next season.

The Dutchman guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season in charge but has received criticism for the team’s performances and results this campaign.

The fourth-placed Reds will end the season trophyless and are not yet guaranteed a place in next season’s Champions League with two fixtures remaining.

Despite fan discontent, the club’s hierarchy have not indicated that they are considering replacing Slot this summer.

Discussing his future on Thursday, Slot said: “I don’t think I am deciding that alone by myself but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season.

“First of all, I am contracted to this club and second of all from all the talks we are having. That is my take on it.

“If you don’t have the best season, especially if you compare with last season – if you compare it with other seasons you might have a different debate, but if you compare it with last season – this has definitely not been a great season, then it is also normal that criticism comes.

“We have all had our share, and with all I mean the players have had their share, the manager has had their share and other people in the club have had their share. That is how things work nowadays if you don’t win the league.”

Seen as a potential challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner said she had been “exonerated” of the accusation she had “deliberately sought to avoid tax”.

It comes as Starmer has warned ministers and MPs that a leadership contest could result in “chaos”, after allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting said they expected him to launch a challenge as soon as today.

Chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman reports from Downing Street.

Also in the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi scored two goals and provided an assist as Inter Miami secured a 5-3 victory over Cincinnati to go second in the table, two points behind leaders Nashville.

The 38-year-old forward thought he had scored the 61st hat-trick of his career late on, but the MLS attributed the 89th-minute strike as an own goal by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

It said the ball had rebounded off the post and was not initially crossing the line until Celentano made accidental contact, effectively turning the ball into his own net.

Argentine Messi now has 11 goals and four assists in 12 league appearances for Miami this season, while his overall career statistics stand at 909 goals and 411 assists.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan scored his first MLS goal in bottom side Philadelphia Union’s 4-3 defeat by Orlando City.

Sullivan, who became the youngest ever MLS player two years ago, was a first-half substitute and scored in the 75th minute.

“Despite it not being the result we wanted, I’m grateful to have scored my first MLS goal,” he wrote on Instagram., external

“You fans deserve more and you will get more.”

The actress is reprising the role of Sadie King after last appearing in the ITV soap in 2006

Emmerdale has confirmed that Petsy Kensit will be returning to the long-running show after 20 years, reprising the role of Sadie King.

The actress played the villainous character on the ITV soap for a two-year stint between 2004 and 2006. She arrived in the Dales by helicopter as the glamorous, scheming wife of Jimmy King.

Her devious demeanour and ruthless ambition drove many dramatic storylines, including a house explosion and high-stakes affairs with a young Robert Sugden and Cain Dingle. Sadie’s ultimate comeuppance came at the hands of Cain, who double-crossed her, stole the ransom money, and dramatically left her behind.

Patsy, who shares son Lennon with ex-partner Liam Gallagher, went on to play Faye Morton in Holby City between 2007 and 2019. Her character will return to Emmerdale later this year.

She said in a statement: “I am really excited to return to Emmerdale. I treasure the years I was here before. Sadie King is a character that I really loved playing. The cast and crew are absolutely brilliant and I am so grateful for the chance to return to the show, it’s absolutely amazing.”

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Patsy Kensit back to the cast, and crucially to see the iconic Sadie King storm back into the village. Her return will be explosive and guaranteed to shock. Sadie’s seductive demeanour, combined with her utterly ruthless nature, are set to deliver a spectacular and highly dramatic touch of class to the Yorkshire Dales.”

Emmerdale isn’t the only soap Patsy has appeared in, as enjoyed a stint as she also played Emma Harding in EastEnders, the mother of the late Lola Pearce-Brown.

The man, 28, attempted to flee after being caught riding a stolen motorbike and in possession of Class A drugs in Balne, near Selby, on Wednesday (May 13).

Humberside Police said: “At around 12.25pm, officers requested for the vehicle to stop and it reportedly failed, resulting in a pursuit towards the North Yorkshire area.”

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A spokesperson added: “The vehicle was eventually brought to a stop in Balne and the man attempted to flee the scene but was swiftly detained by officers.

“Police enquiries identified the motorbike as being stolen and a search resulted in a small quantity of drugs being located.

“A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fail to comply with an order to stop a moving vehicle, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of class A drugs, drug driving and in charge of a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs.”

The arrested man has since been released under investigation while enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Eden Bunn, 16, was found in a car that became submerged in the River Nene after a crash

An inquest has opened after a teenage girl died when a car crashed into a Cambridgeshire river. A blue Volkswagen Polo containing five teenagers crashed into the River Nene on North Brink, Wisbech, at around 8.20pm on March 17.

Three teenagers, including two girls aged 16 and an 18-year-old boy, managed to escape the car. However, the driver Declan Berry, 18, and Eden Bunn, 16 and from Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire, died as a result of the crash.

The inquest into Eden’s death was opened on Thursday (May 14) by Coroner Elizabeth Gray at Vantage House in Huntingdon. The cause of Eden’s death was confirmed to be a head injury as a result of a road traffic collision.

The inquest heard Eden was a passenger in a car that “left the nearside” of North Brink and “became submerged” in the water on March 17. The vehicle was then recovered and Eden was found in it on March 18. Coroner Gray adjourned Eden’s inquest to November 26, 2026.

At the time of her death, Eden’s family paid tribute to her. Eden’s family described her as the “kindest” and “most loving girl”. They added: “Her horses – Daisy and Dolly – were her world, and she was ours. Words cannot describe the tragedy that will stay with us until we are able to meet her again.”

The inquest into Declan Berry’s death has not yet opened.

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