Audi CEO Gernot Dollner told Autosport the marque would welcome a return to V8 power units if Formula 1’s next regulatory cycle embraces sustainable fuels. He cited the newly launched Nuvolari hybrid supercar, which already houses a V8, to illustrate the brand’s technical readiness. The comment arrives as the FIA and F1 leadership weigh options for a post‑2026 rulebook that could debut as early as 2031.

While the cylinder count matters less to Audi, Dollner stressed that a turbocharged layout remains essential for efficiency, a cornerstone of the German manufacturer’s strategy. He argued the sport’s future should prioritize energy‑efficiency and sustainability over single‑engine debates. Both FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and CEO Stefano Domenicali have voiced support for V8s running on sustainable fuels.

Audi’s broader roadmap already allows flexibility across combustion, plug‑in hybrid and electric powertrains, with an all‑electric target pushed to 2032. Dollner said the brand trusts the FIA‑led process and expects any new formula to let Audi “tick all the boxes.” With manufacturers seeking relevance in a hybrid‑focused era, Audi’s openness to V8 power units aligns with its sustainability agenda.