The stakeholders of Formula 1 have discussed the possibility of cancelling the new 2026 regulations entirely in favour of bringing the V10 engines on sustainable fuel and the sound of F1 back to life. Latest information suggests that this could already happen in 2028, with current regulations being extended by two more years.
The last time, fans were able to hear the roaring sound of the V10 engine was in 2006, when Toro Rosso (now known as Racing Bulls) was the only team to utilise it. To be fair, it was limited to 16,700 rpm and had a 77mm air restrictor. Every other team switched to V8 engines, which ran until 2013. From 2014, F1 used V6 hybrid power units and is set to continue to run them in the upcoming new regulations.
In recent times, the use of sustainable fuel has caught attention. F1 targets to be carbon neutral by 2030, and wants to use sustainable fuel only from next year. With Sebastian Vettel’s run in the Williams FW14B during the 2022 British Grand Prix event, the option of running V10 engines on sustainable fuel has become increasingly popular. A report of reliable German outlet Auto Motor und Sport adds light to it.
The idea of F1 to return to V10 engines
According to the report, that plans to bring back V10 engines have become “increasingly serious” in discussions. Author and respected journalist Michael Schmidt wrote that one potential scenario would be to scrap the incoming 2026 regulations, extending the current regulations by two years, and reintroducing V10s from the F1 2028 season, running on sustainable fuel.
However, it’s understood that the F1 Commission, which includes the teams and engine manufacturers, would need to approve the decision to drop the upcoming 2026 regulations. In this case, another scenario would see the plan of continuing the current schedule, by introducing the 2026 regulations, but keeping it for three years, rather than the expected five years. V10s could return afterwards.
How this could play in Cadillac’s favour
AMuS reports, some believe that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is attempting to protect the FIA for being blamed, if the 2026 regulations disappoint. Others say that he is “wanting to help” the incoming Cadillac F1 team, which joins as the eleventh member on the grid. The American company is committed to build its own power unit for 2028. For 2026 and 2027, the team used Ferrari engines.
If the V10 engine is getting reintroduced in 2028, it would be the “perfect” scenario for Cadillac, as there wouldn’t be any pressure of building an engine according to the 2026 rules.
Problems for Audi and Honda?
In 2022, it was confirmed that Audi joins the roaster of engine manufacturers for 2026. Later, the collaboration with the current Sauber team was revealed. From next season, Sauber will be known as Audi. However, the information of a possible extension of the current regulations would leave the manufacturer without an engine for 2026, as all resources are being used for the new regulations.
The same goes to Honda, who initially left F1 in 2021, but remained involved in a technical partnership with Red Bull Racing. With Aston Martin, who swapped Mercedes for the Japanese manufacturer, it will make its comeback in 2026.
Positive comments from Ben Sulayem und Horner
Ahead of the 2025 season start and it’s F1 75 Season Launch Event at the O2, where all ten teams unveiled their liveries, Ben Sulayem published a social media post, in which he outlined his support to the idea of reintroducing V10 engines.
”While we look forward to the introduction of the 2026 regulations on chassis and power unit, we must also lead the way on future technological motorsport trends,” he wrote.
”We should consider a range of directions including the roaring sound of the V10 running on sustainable fuel. Whichever direction is chosen, we must support the teams and manufacturers in ensuring cost control on R&D expenditure.”
The comments from the FIA President found support from Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. His team will use its own power unit in collaboration with Ford from next year.
“I think the purest in me would love to go back to a V10 that was done responsibly, with sustainable fuel,” he said In a press conference during the pre-season testing.
“If that was reintroduced; the sound of grand prix racing, it’s an interesting concept and one to certainly look for after this current set of regulations.”
