Grand Prix racing’s chief executive Stefano Domenicali says he is ready to consider for 2030 a radical shift away from the sport’s current hybrid engines in a bid to bring back the noise to Formula 1.
With the 2026 chassis and power unit regulations nearing finalization, Domenicali is slowly setting his sights on F1’s next transformation, which remains six years out.
Since the introduction of turbo hybrids power units in 2014, fans have lamented the lack of engine noise of the current units compared to the earth-shattering V8s and V10s of the past.
While some improvements have been made, and further strides are expected with the 2026 regulations, the sound still falls short of most F1 fans’ ideal.
According to Domenicali, F1 could explore a wider spectrum of engine possibilities for 2030 that could involve embracing entirely new power unit technologies, or a return to the crowd-pleasing full atmospheric V8s of the past.
However, there’s a key factor set to influence F1’s decision: the success of F1's planned switch to fully sustainable fuels in 2026.
If this transition proves effective, abandoning the current hybrid technology altogether becomes a viable option for F1.
“As soon as the 2026 regulations are defined, we will start to think about what the next steps will be, such as the 2030 engine,” Domenicali told selected media ahead of this week’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
“It is a personal consideration of mine, not yet shared with the teams, even if we have spoken about it with the FIA, that if sustainable fuels work, we will need to carefully evaluate whether to continue with hybrid (technology) or whether better solutions will be available."
F1’s return to a V8 atmospheric engine formula supported by fully sustainable fuels wouldn't just appease fans nostalgic for the thunderous sound, but it could also contribute to a lighter car design – a topic that's been gaining significant traction in F1's quest for faster and more nimble machines.
“By keeping the hybrid power unit solution also for 2026, a significant increase in weight is inevitable,” Domenicali explained.
“If we compare a prediction of the 2026 single-seater with a car from 10 years ago, we can see that weight has become a significant issue.
“All drivers would like to have lighter cars, and personally I would also like a slightly larger sound.
“On this last front, we are working to try to increase the number of decibels.
“From the research we are carrying out, it emerges that all markets, and all age groups, want a better sound as well as the energy and vibrations that only a certain type (of engine) is capable of transmitting when you are close to the track.”
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