The FIA is keen to bring the fan-favourite V10 engines back to F1. V10s were last seen screaming around corners in 2005 before being replaced by V8 engines. The current hybrid system has been criticised for being too quiet by fans, while teams say the current V6 engines are heavy and costly.
The FIA is looking for a solution despite the 2026 regulation due to be enforced. President Mohamed Ben Sulayem admires V10 engines and wants them back in the sport, running on fully sustainable fuels. Some teams have pushed back on the idea, so the FIA will discuss the idea with the manufacturers before the Bahrain GP.
FIA to discuss V10 engines in Bahrain before the race weekend
In February, FIA President Ben Sulayem spoke about bringing V10 engines back to F1. He said: “We should consider a range of directions, including the roaring sound of the V10 running on sustainable fuel.” Since then, the idea has gained traction, and a task team has been assembled to research whether this is possible.
Now, Motorsport.com has reported that the FIA will meet with the engine manufacturers regarding V10 power units in Bahrain before the grand prix weekend. The meeting will gauge whether there is enough support for a shift back to V10 engines.
FIA President Says F1 Should Bring Back Fan Favourite V10 Engines
Motorsport.com also report that the arrival of V10s is gathering support within the paddock. They suggest that plans to continue with the current V6 hybrid engines for two more years and changing to V10s in 2028 could be the way forward. The 2026 regulations were meant to stay until 2031, when the next cycle of engine changes would be enforced. These new engine regulations might be scrapped full stop if the support for V10s is big enough.
The proposal for the V10 engine is set to be rejected
Despite the growing optimism, V10 engines on sustainable fuels could be introduced as early as 2028, the idea is set to be rejected. Under F1’s governance system, the idea must be backed by four out of the five manufacturers. This is very unlikely to happen, even though it is reported that Ferrari and Red Bull back the idea.
Audi has made it clear that they will not back the V10 engines being reintroduced. They support the 1.6-litre turbo engines, which will be 50% electronic. This was one of the key reasons the German manufacturer joined the sport.
Honda was due to quit the sport until they were tempted back to F1 by the 2026 engine regulations. They have placed their backing behind the hybrid engines. Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, told Motorsport.com: “As far as Honda is concerned, our reason for entering F1 again is electrification and powertrains.”
The Biggest Challenge for F1 and the FIA to Bring Back V10 Engines
There is also the issue of fitting V10s into the current cars. Since 2005, refuelling has been banned and so the engines would need to be increased for the heavier loads. A larger fuel tank would also need to be implemented in the cars, as the V10s have higher fuel consumption than the V6 engines.
Honda and Audi are unlikely to be swayed to introduce V10 engines. This means the idea cannot be implemented until new changes can be made to the engines in 2031. However, the meeting in Bahrain might change their minds. All will be revealed next week.
