The news that Formula 1 will once again use V8 engines has been met with enthusiasm by everyone. Or rather, by almost everyone. Because the new plans for Formula 1 have encountered an unexpected foe: Fernando Alonso. The Asturian driver believes that V8 engines are not the best solution in the world today.
Although he won his world titles with V10 and V8 engines, Alonso believes returning to that technology would be a step backward from the direction the world has been taking in recent times. The Spanish two-time champion believes hybrid power remains the optimal path for Formula 1, only that a balance must be found.
Alonso advocates hybrid over V8s
There is light at the end of the tunnel. The FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, announced an agreement with Liberty Media and the Formula 1 teams to return to using V8 engines from 2030. They would only have a small electric KERS to aid overtaking, but it would be a practically entirely internal-combustion engine.
Fernando Alonso is not convinced by the plan. Asked about Ben Sulayem’s words, Alonso stated that “I think the world has changed. Obviously, they were fun cars to drive, very light, very noisy, but perhaps that kind of technology does not fit in today’s world“. Alonso is also not thrilled by the V8s.
Alonso recalls that “when I started, we changed engines constantly. We had one for Saturday, for the twelve laps of qualifying, and then another for Sunday. Would that be possible in today’s world? Probably not”. Switching to V8 would not mean revving up to 19,000 rpm again, because there would likely remain some seasonal limit.
Alonso won his Formula 1 world titles precisely with that technology. His 2005 title came with a V10 engine, and the 2006 title came with a V8. His 32 Formula 1 victories are split eight with V10 engines and the remaining 24 with V8 engines. Moreover, what can be said of his personal collection of classic cars, most of which are powered by this type of technology.
The Spanish driver concludes his remarks by saying that “I think we have to be happy and adapt to the world. Perhaps hybrid systems are the way to go. We simply have to find the balance between the combustion and electric parts, how much we need to rely on the electric side”.
In any case, it seems unlikely that he will get to try the new V8s in 2030. Although with Fernando Alonso you can never rule anything out.
Images | Aston Martin, Red Bull, Formula 1
