FIA prepared to confront Audi in the V8 turbo controversy of F1.

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

      The next significant conflict over engines in Formula 1 is already underway, with the FIA appearing ready to challenge Audi's insistence on turbocharging as the sport looks to revert to V8 engines. During a statement at Le Mans, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized that he is strongly advocating for a simpler, lighter, and more economical engine framework to take the place of the heavily criticized 2026 regulations. "The V8 is decided. The choice has been made," he declared to various media outlets, including Auto Hebdo. "A V8 is sustainable. In terms of research and development, we’re discussing over 200 million euros. Red Bull has invested more than 1.3 billion into the current engine - it's ridiculous." "There will be a hybrid, but it’ll be lightweight and straightforward."

      Formula 1 is already tilting the focus back towards the combustion engine for 2027 and 2028, and with the upcoming regulations for 2030 or 2031, cars might weigh as little as 630 kilograms, as stated by Ben Sulayem. "With a V8, 10 percent hybridization, and sustainable fuel, we can achieve 760 horsepower in the standard version, and around 880 with the hybrid. No turbocharger. A turbo adds weight and expense," he explained. "The goal is simplicity, cost management, and an appealing sound for the audience. We consulted all six engine manufacturers - they favor lighter and simpler designs, which could bring engine costs down from 1.5 million to roughly 700,000 euros."

      However, Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that Audi remains steadfast in its commitment to turbocharging. "Many suggest we need a turbo. But then we’re back to excessive weight," Ben Sulayem remarked. "If you add a turbo, you require a wastegate, intercooler, hoses... that all contributes to weight and costs." This position puts the FIA chief directly at odds with Audi's management. At Monaco, Audi CEO Gernot Dollner reiterated the manufacturer’s preference for turbocharged engines. "We prefer turbocharging because it’s more efficient," he noted. "For Audi, the key concern is upholding sustainability and ensuring energy efficiency is a fundamental aspect of F1 regulations."

      Reports indicate that Audi would favor a twin-turbo setup similar to the one used in its recently revealed Nuvolari supercar. "It's great to exchange ideas," Ben Sulayem stated. "The FIA takes into account the requests of power unit manufacturers. We have six at the moment. However, if it were entirely up to us, we’d lean towards low weight, a simple structure, and reduced time for modifications."

      The FIA president hopes to see the new rules implemented as early as 2030, depending on the manufacturers' agreement, but he also noted that the governing body could enforce its preferences starting in 2031. Drivers are largely in agreement with Ben Sulayem’s criticism of the 2026 direction. "If you ask me, we should revert to V8s next year, but I understand that progress is very slow," said Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll. "Anyone knowledgeable about cars would tell you that these cars are challenging to drive. It was predictable; anything adding weight, such as batteries and regenerative systems, affects how you drive without using battery power. I don't know; it shouldn't be this way, but this is our reality."

      Fernando Alonso would take an even stronger stance than the FIA’s suggested 10 percent hybrid component, declaring, "I would prefer to eliminate the electric aspect completely." The Spaniard expressed, "The electric portion adds little value to the competition. There’s already a fully electric category in Formula E, where they fully exploit that technology. Those cars are powerful and provide great entertainment. Formula 1 doesn’t need to follow that same route."