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FIA Pushes V8 Return as Fans Favor Turbo Hybrid?

6/5/2026

22 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ben Sulayem V8

FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem announced he wants V8 engines back in Formula 1, saying they are lighter, cheaper and louder.
Audi CEO Gernot Dollner said the company prefers turbo V8s for efficiency and unveiled the Nuvolari hypercar in Antibes, featuring a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 with a 30 % hybrid.
A BBC poll of 26,000 fans chose a V8 or V6 turbo with 30 % hybrid as the preferred option.

Summary

Audi 60/40

Audi will only back a phased 60/40 split, with a 2027 tweak and adoption by 2028, citing Sauber R&D costs.
The 60/40 plan adds about 50 kW of combustion power, cuts electrical output equally, and requires a larger fuel tank.
Ferrari objects to counting the ICE under ADUO and wants extra development only for the electric side.

History

Historical Context

After the FIA mandated 2.4-litre V8 engines in 2006, replacing 3.0-litre V10s, the 2009 rule cap of 18,000 rpm cut costs and power to about 750 hp. Today, FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem, Audi chief Gernot Dollner and Ferrari echo that shift, showing how past engine reforms still shape current redesign debates in the sport for manufacturers.

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Ben Sulayem V8

FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem announced he wants V8 engines back in Formula 1, saying they are lighter, cheaper and louder.
Audi CEO Gernot Dollner said the company prefers turbo V8s for efficiency and unveiled the Nuvolari hypercar in Antibes, featuring a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 with a 30 % hybrid.
A BBC poll of 26,000 fans chose a V8 or V6 turbo with 30 % hybrid as the preferred option.

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