Audi Open to V8 F1 Engines, But Stresses Turbocharging and Sustainability

Audi CEO Gernot Dollner has confirmed the manufacturer would accept a return to V8 engines in Formula 1, but only if the sport keeps turbocharging and its core sustainability mandate intact. The comments come as the FIA and Liberty Media actively discuss a future formula—potentially as early as 2027—featuring V8s running on sustainable fuels with a smaller hybrid component. For Audi, the overarching regulatory vision matters far more than the specific cylinder count.

Why it matters:

• Audi entered F1 with a heavily electrified, sustainability-driven vision, so its openness to V8s underscores how dramatically the automotive industry's priorities have shifted.
• Major stakeholders like Ford have also endorsed the V8 concept, suggesting manufacturers are increasingly open to a simpler, more emotive engine format as long as it utilizes sustainable fuels.
• The debate is about more than noise and nostalgia; it is a strategic realignment that could define F1's technical identity for the next decade.

The Details:

• Dollner referenced Audi's new V8-powered Nuvolari supercar to show the brand has no inherent issue with the configuration, but called turbocharging "definitely more important" than cylinder numbers due to the efficiency aspect.
• F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently argued the sport should reduce its dependence on OEMs when shaping future rules, though widespread manufacturer backing remains essential for any change.
• Dollner confirmed Audi has moved away from its previous all-electric-by-2032 target in favor of a flexible roadmap that includes combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and battery EVs.
• He insisted that energy efficiency and sustainability must remain "main pillars" of F1 regulations, regardless of whether the grid ultimately runs V6 or V8 power units.

What's next:

• The FIA is currently steering the regulatory review, and if enough teams and manufacturers converge on a proposal, the new engine cycle could be brought forward from the originally scheduled 2031 date.
• Audi says it trusts the FIA-led process and is optimistic the final framework will produce regulations where the manufacturer can meet all its strategic requirements.
• A decision on the 2027 power unit direction could take clearer shape in the coming months, potentially setting the stage for an earlier-than-expected overhaul of F1's hybrid era.