\n<\/p>\n
In general, the manufacturers seem not opposed to the idea of changing the engines, nor to the principle of switching to a V8.<\/p>\n
This is important, because Ben Sulayem was outflanked by the manufacturers when he last tried switching to a naturally aspirated engine, a V10,<\/a> a little over a year ago. <\/p>\n There is also general agreement on the need to reduce costs after the expense of developing the latest engines.<\/p>\n But there is no agreement on exactly what the architecture of the engine will look like.<\/p>\n Mercedes have said they are “open” to discussions, and their F1 boss Toto Wolff said in Miami that they “loved V8s”.<\/p>\n But Wolff also added: “How do we give it enough energy from the battery side to not lose connection to the real world? Because if we swing 100% combustion, we might be looking a bit ridiculous in 2031 or 2030. So we need to consider that, make it simpler and make it a better engine.”<\/p>\n Honda told BBC Sport in a statement a return to V8s “is something we should discuss healthily, the FIA and the stakeholders, while ensuring that it is for the benefit of the fans”.<\/p>\n In his Car and Driver interview, Ben Sulayem mentioned an engine with a capacity of between 2.6 and three litres, with 10% of its total power provided by the electrical elements. Some insiders say that in reality he would prefer 5% or even zero electricity, but knows that won’t fly.<\/p>\n F1 boss Stefano Domenicali is also open to a V8, but at the same time he has spoken enthusiastically about the new style of back-and-forth – or “yo-yo racing” – created by this year’s engines. And that has come about because of the increased electrification. Remove it, and all the levers F1 has to continue this style of racing disappear.<\/p>\n Equally, Mercedes driver George Russell has pointed out that F1 20 years ago – at the time of naturally aspirated engines – \u201carguably was the purest Formula 1 we’ve ever seen, but the racing was dull”.<\/a> <\/p>\n In reality, a figure in the region of 30% electrical power is said by some to be more realistic as a compromise.<\/p>\n And should the engine have a turbo? Audi, for one, is said to want that.<\/p>\n Honda said: “Regardless of the turbo or hybrid application or the format of the power-unit, we highly regard F1 as essential technological challenges.”<\/p>\n A turbo engine is not only arguably more road-relevant, but is also more efficient than a naturally aspirated one, which means less fuel, even if turbos and their associated architecture are heavy and complicated. It’s also less loud.<\/p>\n While initial discussions are taking place on this, the real conversations can only start when the FIA puts forward a blueprint for a proposal.<\/p>\n But given the time it usually takes to prepare for new engine rules – the current ones were started in 2020-21, for example – that needs to happen quite soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n