The discussion about the return of V8 engines to Formula 1 gained a new chapter with David Coulthard. The former driver stated that the category should completely abandon electrification to also advance in sustainability.
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The proposal arises amid the movement led by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who wants to bring V8 engines back by 2030, before the next regulation cycle scheduled for, at most, 2031. For Coulthard, F1 could keep naturally aspirated engines using biofuels and still reduce environmental impact.
The former McLaren driver believes that removing the batteries would allow the engines to be fully recyclable. “Formula 1 could have a naturally aspirated engine running on biofuels, because we are already on that path now. It could have zero emissions and be 100% recyclable,” said the Scot.
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Coulthard highlighted that the engine components could be fully reused. “You can take all these engine parts, crush them, melt them, and reuse them again, which currently does not happen with electrification and when batteries reach the end of their life,” he explained.
The former driver, winner of 13 GPs in the category, also stated that the essence of Formula 1 has never been linked to the environmental mission. “I think Formula 1 started with designers and engineers trying to create the fastest and most powerful cars possible for a track, and then finding someone brave enough to drive them,” he concluded.
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