Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg defended F1’s new hybrid engine rules, saying, “If you don’t like it, you don’t have to watch,” and urging the sport to prioritize modernization and sustainability over nostalgia. The regulations shift power units to an almost 50/50 combustion-electric split and were designed to attract manufacturers and keep F1 relevant as the auto industry focuses on sustainability. Hulkenberg, 38, noted Audi has joined as a full works team this season and said the opening three races produced entertaining racing.

The rules have drawn complaints about heavier energy-management demands, qualifying that some say is less challenging, a perceived loss of the sport’s traditional sound, and large closing-speed differentials that could raise safety concerns. Organizers and the FIA introduced tweaks ahead of the Miami Grand Prix to reduce excessive battery management and address closing speeds, but reports differ on their effectiveness and some sources say the adjustments had only limited impact. Hulkenberg also pointed out that manufacturers’ priorities have shifted since the rules were signed off in 2022, which makes quick technical fixes harder.

F1 leadership and teams have signaled further recalibration for 2027, described variously as moving toward a roughly 60/40 combustion-to-electric balance or making hardware changes to bias the mix nearer 55/45 in favor of combustion. The sport has not ruled out longer-term changes, including discussion of a possible return to V8-style engines around 2030-31. Hulkenberg said he is a fan of the older V10 and V12 sound but questioned whether reverting to past engine formulas would keep F1 relevant, framing the debate as a choice between nostalgia and the need to adapt so the sport remains a viable business and entertainment product.