MIAMI - Mercedes would be "absolutely up for" Formula One switching to V8 engines from 2030 or 2031, but the sport must remain connected to the real world, according to team boss Toto Wolff.
The head of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said at the Miami Grand Prix that the switch from the current V6 hybrid power units would happen by 2031 at the latest, even without manufacturer approval.
Current units are split roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power.
Speaking after Kimi Antonelli's victory in Miami - Mercedes' fourth win in four races this season - Wolff sounded positive about the plan.
"We love V8s. That has only great memories," said the Austrian. "If we swing 100 per cent combustion then we're looking a bit ridiculous in 2031 or 2030. So we need to consider that. Make it simpler and make it a mega engine."
Ben Sulayem had said a future V8 would have "very, very minor electrification," but Wolff suggested it would be possible to get 800 horsepower from the combustion engine and then "400 on top" in terms of electric energy.
"We're absolutely up for it," continued Wolff. "As long as those discussions happen in a structured way... if it's well-planned and executed then we, Mercedes, count us in to come back with a real racing engine."
Formula One most recently used V8 engines from 2006 to 2013, replaced by the quieter V6 turbo hybrids.