Audi holds out as F1 V8 push divides the paddock
Audi's resistance to F1's proposed 2027 power-unit reset has hardened into the biggest barrier yet, and Stefano Domenicali still wants the V8 era back by 2030.
Audi has emerged as the key obstacle in Formula 1's growing civil war over its controversial engine rules - as CEO Stefano Domenicali openly backs a return to V8 power.
The sport is currently split over proposed 2027 regulation changes designed to reduce the extreme electrical dependency introduced under the controversial 2026 power units.
The FIA and Formula One Management now want a 60-40 combustion-to-electric split from 2027 onward, with longer-term plans already being discussed for lighter V8-powered cars by 2030 or 2031.
"I've always said I support this move 1000 percent," Domenicali told L'Equipe.
"With cleaner fuel, lighter cars and V8 engines, we will rediscover the true essence of motorsport. That's why I've always loved Formula 1."
However, despite mounting criticism from drivers led by Max Verstappen, major political resistance remains behind the scenes.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, only Mercedes and Red Bull currently fully support the 2027 adjustment - with Honda reportedly open to compromise if broader agreement is reached.
But Ferrari and Audi remain highly resistant.
Audi's redesign bill
The German magazine says Audi in particular views a major engine redesign in only its second Formula 1 season as an enormous technical and financial burden.
The VW-linked manufacturer is reportedly planning a much larger overhaul for 2028 instead and does not want to absorb an estimated additional 10 million euro cost for an earlier redesign.
Ferrari's concerns are slightly different.
The Italian team fears it would again fall behind in combustion-engine performance just as it is trying to close the current gap to Mercedes through the FIA's ADUO assistance system.
Auto Motor und Sport reports Ferrari engineers are currently dedicating major resources to upgrading the existing 2026 engine package under ADUO rules before considering any future redesign.
Path to a super-majority
To force through the 60-40 change, four of Formula 1's six registered manufacturers would need to agree under the FIA's super-majority system.
That leaves Cadillac potentially holding a crucial vote - although many insiders believe the American newcomer would ultimately align politically with Ferrari because it currently depends on customer Ferrari power units.
Despite the growing controversy, and F1's top star Verstappen threatening to quit and drawing widespread attention to rival categories, Domenicali attempted publicly to minimise the scale of opposition to the current regulations.
"Very few people complain about the rules," he insisted.
"We mustn't forget that these changes were necessary, otherwise the manufacturers would have stopped supplying engines. We didn't want to switch completely to electric vehicles, so we found a compromise to attract new manufacturers."
F1's 2027 engine debate, snapshot
| Current 2026 split | ~50% combustion / ~50% electric (per FIA spec) |
|---|---|
| Proposed 2027 split | 60% combustion / 40% electric |
| Longer-term target | Lighter V8 power units by 2030-2031 |
| Approval threshold | 4 of 6 registered manufacturers (FIA super-majority) |
| Backers | Mercedes, Red Bull (Honda open to compromise) |
| Resisting | Audi, Ferrari (Cadillac likely aligned with Ferrari) |
See also: 2026 F1 season hub on F1-Fansite.
Related: F1 civil war erupts as Domenicali backs V8 return
7 F1 Fan comments on “Audi holds out as F1 V8 push divides the paddock”
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Cadillac doesn’t manufacture PUs, so their view shouldn’t have an impact, but they’d indeed side with Ferrari in all likelihood.
On the other hand, getting Audi & Ferrari to change their views is a losing battle, & I’m sure Honda also sides with them in the end.
Max can ultimately blame Audi, Ferrari, & Honda for blocking more fundamental changes after only one season.
he wouldnt have to blame anyone if theyd listened to him and horny back in 23...!
True
100% is the maximum & more than only a very few people complain about these technical regulations.
Yes, they may have been necessary when they were set in 2022, but the landscape has changed since.
I was supposed to link the posts via reply after forgetting to add everything together in the first place.
The FIA organisation should be in investigation mode or self-discipline too.
Imagine if you battery power from start to finish and fuck all weight.
Technology never seems to catch up with my expectations