Ex-F1 driver doubts the possibility of a V8 comeback.

      "Maybe they’ll attempt to introduce BYD, but a V8 would be a dream."

      Former Formula 1 driver Jean-Louis Schlesser has joined the growing number of critics of the sport's shift towards electric power, dismissing the notion that the controversial 2026 regulations make Formula 1 environmentally conscious. The 77-year-old Frenchman, who participated in Formula 1 in 1983 and 1988, aligns with those who believe the current mix of combustion and electric power has gone too far.

      “It’s unfortunate that electronics dominate racing,” Schlesser told Mundo Deportivo. “It’s concerning because the engine should never consist of more than 40 percent electrical components.” He also dismissed Formula 1’s attempts to label the new generation of cars as eco-friendly. “It’s absurd to claim Formula 1 is environmentally friendly,” Schlesser stated. “If they want to avoid environmental issues, they should halt all racing. Semi-electric cars and all that nonsense? That’s a misguided direction.”

      FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem advocates for simpler, lighter, and more affordable engines for post-2030, with V8 power and a reduced hybrid component among the leading suggestions. However, Schlesser is skeptical that major manufacturers will agree to such a significant change. "I don’t truly believe it," he remarked. “Many manufacturers, in order to please their board of directors, promote the idea that the car is ecologically sustainable. That’s why Audi entered F1, for instance. Maybe they’ll seek to bring in BYD, but a V8 would be a dream, and a V10 would be even better, although I doubt it will occur.”

      Schlesser competed in only two grands prix, but he is best known in Formula 1 for colliding with Ayrton Senna while being lapped at Monza in 1988, which denied McLaren a clean sweep of that season. “Senna was very close to my gearbox and I had no choice,” he recalled. “If I had lifted off the throttle, he might have tailgated me. So it was merely bad luck.”

      Schlesser mentioned that Sir Frank Williams called him unexpectedly to race after Patrick Head requested him for the car. “Frank called me to ask if I could be in Italy on Friday to drive," he said. "He mentioned, ‘I have a list of ten drivers who want the seat. I’m calling you because Patrick Head wants you in the car. If you don’t want to, that’s fine.’”

      He characterized Williams as "a good person but rude." His only other Formula 1 appearance was with RAM at Paul Ricard in 1983. “That car had the same straight-line speed as my touring car,” he joked.

      Schlesser criticized the exorbitant costs now faced by young drivers trying to advance through the junior categories as "insane." “It’s unfair,” he stated. “I completely agree with Max Verstappen, who says the price of reaching Formula 1 is too high.” His son Louis is currently working on building his own racing career, although Schlesser admitted that progress has not been swift enough. “He needs to win more,” he noted. “He’s not winning enough races. Moreover, the costs of Formula Regional European racing are too high right now.”