FIA president Jean Todt insists Formula One will resist calls to bring back ten and twelve-cylinder engine formats.

Speaking to the FIA publication Auto, Todt said F1 must continue to follow the lead set by automotive industry towards smaller, lower-capacity engines such as the current V6 hybrid turbos.

Bringing back noisier and larger engines “will not be accepted by society,” said Todt.

“We have a responsibility to run an organisation monitored by global society. And global society will not accept that.”

Todt fought to introduce the current engine format in 2014 over the objections of then-commercial chief Bernie Ecclestone. He claimed going back to old engine formats would be resisted by car manufacturers.

“I’m sure if you said, ‘let’s go back to engines from ten years ago’, many manufacturers would not support such a move,” he said. “I’m convinced a minimum of three out of four would leave.”

Controlling costs was another reason to avoid a drastic change in engine format when the current regulations expire in 2020, Todt added.

“We know that stability is essential,” he said. “Firstly, to have as much competition as possible, and then to protect the investment.”

“You cannot invest in new technology every year, it is not financially sustainable, and we already complain about the cost of racing, the cost of Formula One – a cost that for me is absurd.”

However Todt admitted the current format is not “ideal”.

“It’s something we need to fight,” he said. “So far we have not managed to find the ideal solution and I’m happy to take part of the responsibility on behalf of the governing body.”

“But saying that, it is not easy because you need to find common ground. For me, I always like to achieve some kind of solidarity when you take decisions.”

2017 F1 season