Red Bull responds to V8 rumours as F1 engine plans remain open

Red Bull has responded to rumours of a turbocharged V8 Formula 1 engine, with team principal Laurent Mekies saying the priority is to let drivers race and qualify flat out. The choice of engine could shape F1’s future rules, but Mekies said the technical options would be discussed over the coming months.

RacingNews365 describes Red Bull as broadly in favour of a V8 return. It also reports rumours of an agreement on a turbocharged V8 with a small battery for an overtaking boost. Mekies’s reported remarks focused on what the rules should achieve, rather than endorsing that particular design. He said he believed manufacturers, the FIA, F1 and teams were largely aligned on their main aims.

Audi executive Mattia Binotto said the FIA was still developing concepts and that the details remained unclear. He was confident a V8 was under consideration, with 2030 the earliest possible introduction, and argued that the rules should be approved by the end of 2026 so substantive design work could begin in 2027.

Binotto favours lower costs without abandoning advanced technology and would like a turbo. He also expects a push-to-pass feature, but said whether it uses turbo pressure, DRS or KERS has yet to be decided.