The possible return of V8 engines to Formula 1 does not seem to worry Red Bull. Even amid the development of its new power unit in partnership with Ford, Laurent Mekies assured that the team views any future regulation changes with enthusiasm.
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The debate gained momentum after Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA president, recently indicated that V8s could return to the category in the coming years. The possibility raises doubts for some manufacturers involved in the hybrid era of F1, but Red Bull has shown a very different stance towards the scenario.
According to Mekies, the team is comfortable with the idea, especially after the work done to create its first own power unit. “As Red Bull Powertrains, we are quite calm about this. We had to start from scratch to deal with this power unit, and I think the starting point is good,” he said during the Miami GP.
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The executive acknowledged that there is still a disadvantage compared to Mercedes in engine performance, but praised the internal work done through the partnership with Ford. “We still lack power unit performance compared to Mercedes, but we feel the group has done a phenomenal job to put us in the fight,” he highlighted. Mekies added that Red Bull’s structure might have more flexibility to face new changes since it does not carry a long tradition as an engine manufacturer.
In a relaxed tone, the Frenchman also joked about his relationship with V8s off the track. “There is a V8 in the Ford Mustang that I am lucky to drive every day in Milton Keynes. So maybe we have an initial advantage,” he said. While some manufacturers may view the possible return of V8s with caution, especially those linked to electrification, Red Bull made it clear that it is ready to face the challenge if the change really happens in the future of Formula 1.
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