How far could we have gone in F1 with the V8?

The Brazilian Grand Prix will be the last opportunity to hear the V8s roar in F1 since the regulations will impose 6l turbo hybrid V1.6s from next year. Since its introduction in 2006, this engine has undergone numerous developments despite the freeze on developments. "The first, in 2007, was the homologation or freezing of the most important parts of the engine, as well as the introduction of a maximum speed", explains Rob White. “In 2008, the scope of approvals expanded, and the SECU was introduced. In 2009 the limit of eight engines per car per season was put in place and the maximum speed increased from 19 to 000 rpm. More recently, we have obtained successive clarifications on engine mapping and its use. »

The restrictions of the regulations concerning the F1 engine prevent us from knowing the true limits of the V8 which has notably had to acquire ever greater reliability since an engine must now be able to last for 2500km compared to 350km previously. “We have increased this distance sevenfold in less than 12 years.”, underlines the deputy general director of Viruses-Châtillon. “Without any regulations in this area, I think we could have reached 22 rpm, providing an additional power of 000 horsepower (within 75%), equivalent to a lap time saving of two seconds on a circuit like Monza. »