Former team boss Jost Capito warns against rushing into decisions on Formula 1 engines: Why manufacturers are crucial and why the electric component cannot simply be eliminated
The new Formula 1 engines for 2026 are only about to be introduced, but behind the scenes there is already talk of a possible return to V8 combustion engines. However, former Williams team boss Jost Capito warns against rushing into decisions on engine regulations.
“Yes, developing engines is expensive,” says the 66-year-old, reminding us that these will continue to be highly complex hybrid powertrains in the future. Nevertheless, even before the new teams have really got started and the engine has run for the first time, you can’t just overturn everything.
“That’s not really possible, and you have to be careful,” Capito warns in an interview with Sky. “If you want the manufacturers, you also have to take the technology into account. It has to be very relevant, and that includes an electrified component.”
Capito warns: Manufacturers are important for Formula 1
You can’t just “get rid of the electric component and say they just have to be loud and powerful now,” says the former Williams team boss. “Let’s go back 20 years. Yes, there’s no question that they can be louder. But I think it still has to be relevant for the manufacturers.”
“Or you have to say, we don’t want the manufacturers. We have one manufacturer that makes all the engines,” Capito muses aloud about possible alternatives. ” Then you can make V8s, you can make V10s, you can make anything. But you lose the manufacturers.“
After all, the 66-year-old also points out that the manufacturers bring in the necessary money. ”And if they say it has nothing to do with our main business anymore, except that it has four wheels, then that’s not enough to make the investment.”
That’s why Formula 1 has to decide on its future: “If you want the manufacturers, then you have to take that into account,” says Capito, who also knows the manufacturer side as former head of motorsport at Volkswagen. “If you don’t want them, then you can do whatever you want.”
Former Williams team boss: “The sport must be preserved”
“Every sport has to evolve and you always have to look for something new,” says the former Williams team boss, acknowledging that change makes sense. But the timing has to be right. “I think the sport is in a very good position and you have to be careful with further developments.”
In addition, Formula 1 is a sport that many fans say is just a business. “Of course it is. Without that, there would be no Formula 1,” says Capito. “But if you look at the technology, the technical directors, and the drivers, for them it is a sport.”
“And it really is one of the last motorsports where there is no balance of performance, but where the best wins and the best is not slowed down. And for me, that is still pure motorsport. And that must be preserved in Formula 1.”
The 66-year-old could live with a reverse grid rule, as is currently being discussed, under certain conditions: as long as Formula 1 remains a sport and the fastest driver continues to win. “And if the fastest driver wins every race, then he wins every race. That’s just the way it is.”
“And I think that’s what the fans want too. The fans want to see the best win, not something artificial that anyone can win just for marketing reasons,“ says Capito. ”I think the sport has to be preserved, and that’s the most important thing. That’s why Formula 1 has so many fans.”
