FIA prepared to confront Audi in the F1 V8 turbo dispute.

      "There will be a hybrid, but it will be lightweight and straightforward."

      The upcoming major engine confrontation in Formula 1 is already underway, with the FIA seemingly ready to challenge Audi’s push for turbocharging as the sport considers a revival of V8 engines. Speaking during Le Mans, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized his strong advocacy for a simpler, lighter, and more affordable engine formula to succeed the heavily criticized 2026 regulations. "The V8 is a settled issue. The decision has been made," he stated to various media outlets, including Auto Hebdo.

      "A V8 is a sustainable option. When we discuss R&D, we are talking about over 200 million euros. Red Bull has put in more than 1.3 billion into the current engine — it’s ridiculous."

      "There will be a hybrid, but it will be lightweight and straightforward." Formula 1 is already shifting the focus back towards internal combustion engines for 2027 and 2028; for the subsequent set of regulations anticipated for 2030 or 2031, the cars might weigh as little as 630 kilograms, according to Ben Sulayem. "With a V8, a 10 percent hybridization, and sustainable fuel, we achieve 760 horsepower in the basic version, and around 880 with the hybrid. No turbocharger. A turbocharger adds unnecessary weight and cost," he added.

      "The goal is simplicity, cost control, and a satisfying sound for fans. We consulted the six engine manufacturers — they favor lightweight and straightforward designs, reducing engine costs from 1.5 million to about 700,000 euros." However, Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that Audi is steadfast in its commitment to turbocharging. "Many people say we need a turbo. But then we face excess weight again," Ben Sulayem countered. "If you add a turbo, you require additional components like a wastegate, intercooler, hoses... that all contributes to weight and costs."

      This stance places the FIA president in direct conflict with Audi executives. At Monaco, Audi CEO Gernot Dollner reiterated the company’s preference for turbocharged engines. "We favor turbocharging due to its efficiency," he stated. "For Audi, the primary concern is upholding the sustainability concept and ensuring that energy efficiency remains a crucial aspect of F1 regulations." Reports suggest Audi would prefer a twin-turbo setup similar to that found in its newly introduced Nuvolari supercar.

      "Of course, it's beneficial to exchange ideas," Ben Sulayem remarked. "The FIA considers the desires of power unit manufacturers; currently, we have six. However, if it were up to us, we would choose low weight, a straightforward design, and reduced time for modifications." The FIA president hopes to introduce the new rules as soon as 2030 with manufacturer consensus, but he noted that the governing body could simply enforce its preferred regulations from 2031 onward.

      Driver opinions align with Ben Sulayem’s critique of the 2026 direction. "In my opinion, we should revert to V8s next year, but I recognize that progress is slow," commented Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll. "Anyone familiar with cars would agree that these are terrible to drive. It was predictable; anything that adds weight, such as batteries and regenerative components, and the need to manage battery power more carefully complicates driving."

      "I’m not sure why it has come to this, but here we are." Fernando Alonso would even push beyond the FIA’s proposed 10 percent hybrid component. "I would prefer to eliminate the electric component altogether," the Spaniard asserted firmly. "The electric aspect offers little competitive value. There is already a fully electric series in Formula E, where they truly test that technology to the max. Those cars are powerful and provide plenty of excitement. For Formula 1, there’s no need to follow the same path."