Following the success of Formula 1’s first launch event at the O2, The FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, looks to the future of the sport, signifying his desire for F1 to see the return of the V10 engines.
After the F1 75 event, Mohammed Ben Sulayem took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the progress and future of Formula 1. The statement showed Sulayem’s joy at the positive reception that the event received and looked forward to the 2026 regulations. However, it also called into question the re-introduction of the famous V10 engines.
It said: “While we look forward to the introduction of the 2026 regulations on chassis and power units. We must also lead the way in future technological motorsport trends. We should consider a range of directions, including the roaring sound of the V10 running on sustainable fuel.”
Why do we not have V10s now?
The move away from the loud and authentic engines that Formula 1 of old is so heavily recognised by was made due to sustainability and environmental issues. Instead, F1 swapped the ‘roaring’ engines, as the FIA President called them, for the more subdued hybrid engines.
It also allowed for more in-depth energy recovery systems, which added a new layer of racing tactics and overtaking opportunities to Formula 1. The hybrid system mirrored the trend in road cars as electric cars grew in popularity in the 2010s.
However, more is research being done on E-Fuels and Formula 1 is rapidly cutting down on carbon emissions elsewhere in the sport. Sulayem wants the V10’s to be brought back into conversation.
Possible return?
V10s have been well sought after since they left the sports, with questions surrounding a possible return cropping up every few years. But this time, it seems more serious.
Planet F1 reported that a working group is being established to look into the idea further. The FIA comments on the possibility.
“A V10 power train running on sustainable fuel would be part of those considerations which would be tied to environmental and cost-containment measures. We need to consider the appropriate technical path for the sport.“
“While we are fully focussed on the introduction of the 2026 regulations and the prospect of the competitive racing they will bring. We also need to keep an eye on the future. The intention is to establish a working group whose brief it would be to explore all possibilities.”
There is no doubt that a return to V10s would be popular with Formula 1 fans. A usual criticism of the modern F1 is the muted noise from the V6 hybrid engines. Something that doesn’t compare to that of the 1990s to early 2000s.
The pitfalls
However, the sticking point would be manufacturers. Each current engine manufacturer has ten years of knowledge and work put into the hybrid engines. With a massive overhaul of regulations coming in 2026, convincing them to change direction could seem daunting.
Many of the front-running teams use their engine knowledge to transfer to their road and supercars. Switching back to a V10 would limit this process.
It is not impossible but it feels as though a return to V10s is still a long way off.
Featured Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
