(Motorsport-Total.com) – According to Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, the group is not opposed to V8 engines in Formula 1: “Why shouldn’t we accept that?”, explains the CEO.
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“I mean, the Nuvolari also has a V8 in the back, so we have no problems with V8 engines,” Döllner explains to our sister portal Motorsport.com. With the Nuvolari, the 57-year-old refers to the group’s new hybrid supercar.
Much more important, according to Döllner, is that the engine retains a turbo component: “For Audi, that is clear. We prefer a turbo due to efficiency. That is more important than the mere number of cylinders.”
“For Audi, the most important thing is that the Formula 1 regulations maintain a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency as an important pillar.”
Discussions about the upcoming engine regulations have been ongoing since the beginning of the season. Currently, a V8 engine is being considered, for which the electrical component is to be significantly smaller than in the current power unit. Officially, a final variant has not yet been agreed upon.
Regarding electrification, Döllner mentions: “In the automotive industry, there has been a global step towards electrification. Currently, there is a small turnaround, but in the long term, we will experience more and more electrification worldwide.”
“But in the coming one or two, perhaps even three decades, we will certainly see internal combustion engines in sports cars,” emphasizes the CEO. Here, Döllner also refers to discussions surrounding Formula 1 and alternative fuels.
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“When I became CEO of Audi, the decision had already been made to switch entirely to electric drives from 2032. In the meantime, we have changed our strategies, and they are significantly more realistic, making our approach much more flexible.”
The originally planned farewell to internal combustion engines in the group was shelved again in mid-2025.
“Technological flexibility, be it with internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, or battery electrics, is our path to the future. In doing so, we will consider local differences to meet the requirements of our customers.”
“It’s a bit like that in Formula 1 too. You have to recognize the trend, but hybridization and sustainability will continue to play a role, and that fits our strategy.”
Finally, Döllner emphasizes: “We must trust the process and believe that regulations will be written with which Audi can cover everything.”
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