Ocon floats non-hybrid twin-turbo option for F1's future

Esteban Ocon has put a combustion-only twin-turbo concept into Formula 1's future-engine debate: one small turbo, one large. He offered it as his own possible route, not as an announcement of a rule change.

Ocon also discussed naturally aspirated V8s and V10s, saying electric power could supply some of the low-end torque such engines might lack. For the non-hybrid alternative, he suggested that two differently sized turbos would create lag at low revs—a characteristic he said could make the setup interesting in a race car.

The ideas come amid criticism of F1's current turbo-hybrid power units. Under the rules, a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 produces around 400 kW alongside a 350 kW electric motor; when batteries deplete on straights, output can drop from more than 1,000 horsepower to around 550. The FIA is reviewing deployment parameters amid concerns about closing-speed differences and lift-and-coast energy harvesting through corners.

Fernando Alonso, who raced in F1 during the V8 and V10 eras, was more cautious about a return to that technology. He described the older cars as fun, light and loud, but questioned whether they suit today's world and said hybrid systems may still be the way forward.