Audi has no problem with number of cylinders on a Formula 1 engine but want a turbo

Formula 1's 2026 regulations, for the power units that is, have turned out to be a disaster, with their 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power keeping the new cars power-starved on most tracks.

The reason the sport finds itself in such a predicament is the insistence on attracting new manufacturers such as Audi, who want an F1 powertrain relevant to their road cars.

However, the new regulations have come under fire from fans and drivers alike with plans to change the power delivery ratio to 60-40 leaning towards the Internal Combustion Engine while V8s are planned following this regulation cycle, according to Ben Sulayem. 

Doellner was asked if having V8s back would push Audi out of F1; he said: "No, not right ​now.

"I believe and trust that we will have ​a good discussion regarding the regulations and we will definitely have sustainable fuels. It's more in some areas a philosophical question.

"That's definitely more ​important than talking about the number of cylinders," he insisted. "We prefer turbo due to the efficiency aspect. The Nuvolari has ‌a ⁠V8. Audi has no problem with V8s."

On Thursday, ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Audi revealed their Nuvolari, a V8-powered hybrid supercar and the fastest in the company's history with a power out of almost 1000 bhp and a top speed of more than 350 km/h.

Audi CTO Rouven Mohr said of the Nuvolari: "Formula 1 is a key impulse to bring innovations to the road quickly and with precision."

Doellner revealed that Audi will not be happy to change the F1 power units soon due to high investment in them but remained open for discussions regarding the future.

He said: "Our focus is ⁠on the actual regulation and to optimize that, to optimize our drivetrain to the regulation we have.

"Of course we just entered; we invested in a ​drivetrain concept, and so we are not keen on changing soon. We are ​happy with stability.

"The ⁠process is running. It's in good hands, and we are part of that process together with the other engine manufacturers.

"FIA is leading the process, and I'm very optimistic that the outcome will be a good one," the Audi CEO concluded. (Source: Reuters)