Jun.6 (GMM) Audi CEO Gernot Dollner has defended the German marque’s position in Formula 1’s increasingly heated engine debate, insisting the company is not standing in the way of a compromise over the controversial 2027 regulations.
The issue is dominating discussions behind the scenes in Monaco, where Formula 1, the FIA and manufacturers continue working towards changes designed to reduce the unpopular energy-management racing that has drawn criticism from drivers and fans alike.
Audi has frequently been identified as one of the manufacturers least enthusiastic about major rule changes, having committed to Formula 1 largely because of the new hybrid formula.
However, Dollner said: “Our position is clear – we fundamentally want predictability.”
“We only recently entered Formula 1 and have invested significantly in the current powertrain concept,” he told reporters in Monaco. “Accordingly, there is little interest in major short-term changes.”
Dollner denied suggestions Audi is driving the discussions.
“We are one of five engine manufacturers in Formula 1,” he said. “We have one vote and we contribute our position, nothing more.”
Audi’s preference remains for turbocharged engines rather than naturally aspirated V8s. “From our point of view, yes,” Dollner said when asked if the company would favour retaining turbo technology.
“The efficiency gain through turbocharging is more important to us than the discussion about the number of cylinders.”
Still, he stressed Audi is not opposed to V8s in principle. “We have no inherent problems with the V8,” he said.
“Otherwise, it wouldn’t be in the Nuvolari.”
Dollner was speaking in Monaco while launching Audi’s new Nuvolari supercar.
He also acknowledged the broader shift currently taking place across both Formula 1 and the automotive industry.
“After a very strong focus on electromobility, we’re currently experiencing a certain counter-movement,” he said. “In the long term, electrification will continue to increase, but combustion engines will continue to play a role in the coming decades.”
Despite reports that teams are moving closer to a compromise involving greater combustion-engine output from 2027, key figures in Monaco insisted nothing has yet been agreed.
“It’s still a work in process,” said Cadillac’s Dan Towriss. “There’s nothing written in stone at this point.”
Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore agreed.
“Absolutely the same. Nothing else to tell.”
Aston Martin representative Pedro de la Rosa added: “We cannot say things we don’t know, really.”
Cadillac itself appears open to whatever direction Formula 1 ultimately chooses.
Towriss confirmed General Motors remains committed to introducing its planned V6 power unit in 2029, but would also welcome a future V8 formula.
“We’d be very happy to build a V8 engine as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, one driver who remains deeply unhappy with the current regulations is Fernando Alonso.
After Friday practice in Monaco, the Aston Martin veteran delivered perhaps his strongest criticism yet. “This is probably the worst generation of cars I’ve ever driven in Monaco,” said the 44-year-old Spaniard.
Although Monaco’s characteristics have reduced some of the battery-management issues seen elsewhere, Alonso says the underlying problem remains.
“The way you charge the battery with brakes and going off the gas creates a lot of unpredictability in braking on the engine,” he explained.
“If your battery is completely full, you no longer charge the battery because it is full. Then you don’t have engine braking and it’s like being pushed forward.”
For Alonso, the solution is simple.
“The problem is just in the rules,” he said. “Hybrid cars simply should not race, period.”
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