Audi wants turbos to stay in F1 amid engine debate

Audi wants turbos to stay in F1 amid engine debateImage source, ReutersImage caption, Audi has entered F1 as a full constructor this year after taking over the Sauber teamByAndrew BensonF1 Correspondent in MonacoPublished3 minutes agoCommentsAudi has made it clear it wants turbos to remain part of Formula 1 when new engines are introduced in either 2030 or 2031.FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is pushing naturally aspirated V8 engines with a minimal hybrid element and using sustainable fuels.Ben Sulayem has said he would prefer these to come by 2030 but that they will arrive by 2031.But Audi chief executive officer Gernot Dollner told selected media at the Monaco Grand Prix on Friday that a turbo was "definitely more important than talking about the number of cylinders."That's crystal clear from an Audi perspective. We prefer turbo due to the efficiency aspect."The most important aspect for Audi, that we keep the idea of being sustainable and having a regulation that has energy efficiency in the focus as main pillar of Formula 1 regulations."Title Antonelli's to lose, says team-mate RussellPublished18 hours agoWill 2026's 'yo-yo racing' mean overtaking in Monaco?Published2 days agoMercedes would also prefer for the new engines to be turbocharged but is not as trenchant on the idea as Audi.Ben Sulayem said in an Instagram post this week that he wants V8s to return because they are "lighter, cheaper, safer and louder".His idea is effectively a return to the engine regulations F1 last had in 2013 before turbo hybrid engines made their debut in 2014.The post said: "V8s are lighter, simpler and more cost-effective, while sustainable fuels mean they can remain aligned with our environmental ambitions. Most importantly, they bring back the unique, visceral sound that fans around the world associate with Formula 1."No significant research has been undertaken on the topic of whether audiences do want louder e...