Audi chief executive Gernot Dollner has expressed openness to V8 engines in Formula 1 under future regulations, stressing that efficiency and sustainability matter more than cylinder count.
Dollner made the comments in an interview with Motorsport.com and Autosport. He pointed to Audi's recently launched Nuvolari hybrid supercar, which features a V8, as evidence that the company has no objections to the engine type. The remarks come amid ongoing talks about Formula 1's next regulatory cycle, formally set to start in 2031 but possibly advanced. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali have both voiced support for V8 power units running on sustainable fuels with a reduced electrical component. Dollner said maintaining a turbocharged engine remains a priority for Audi to preserve efficiency. He added that the broader regulatory vision, including energy efficiency and hybridisation, aligns with the company's flexible technology strategy. Audi entered F1 with a sustainability focus but has since adjusted its electrification targets. Dollner stated the manufacturer trusts the FIA-led process to deliver rules that meet its requirements.
