Formula 1 is introducing major rule changes to the chassis and engines for the 2026 season. The idea is to make the cars lighter and smaller so overtaking is easier and to make them more environmentally sustainable. However, the new engines have had an underwhelming response. Now, the response could change as FIA and F1 are planning to bring back the V10 engine.
There are reports that the 2026 regulations could be scrapped altogether with the current regulations extended for two years. This would allow time for the V10 engines that run on sustainable fuels to be tested. But there is an opposition to those ideas.
F1’s challenge to reintroduce V10 engines
F1 brought in its first major engine regulation change since 2014 to become more attractive to car manufacturers. Honda announced in 2020 that they were leaving the sport after the season as the Japanese company felt the engine regulations weren’t an attractive proposition for them. However, Honda did return to partner with Red Bull till the 2025 season.
The 2026 regulations were also a major factor in Audi joining Formula 1. However, if the current regulations were extended, it would leave Audi and Honda, who partner with Aston Martin, with no engines. They would also have joined F1 on false pretences, leaving their futures in the sport up in the air.
Mercedes team principal has also rejected the idea, saying: “We simply don’t have enough current engines. Everything is designed for the 2026 engines.” Teams would have already spent a lot of money to get ready for the new 2026 regulations. Their cars must be readying for battle and being put through wind tunnel testing.
FIA President Says F1 Should Bring Back Fan Favourite V10 Engines
There is also the issue of size. When the engines were used in the sport, the fuel tanks weren’t built to last a full race distance. The 2010 season saw refuelling banned from F1 so tanks needed to be made bigger. For the current fuel regulations, the V10 engines would need to be increased in size to deal with a larger fuel tank.
There is also the question of mileage. V10s would generally only be able to last around 200 miles. After each race, a team could swap out the engine. However, under current rules, teams only have four engines per season, meaning an engine would have to last eight races.
V10s also have much larger fuel consumption than the current V6 engines, meaning an even larger fuel tank would be required. This would draw more power from the hybrid unit causing it to work harder and could cause retirements.
V10 engines could be in F1 by 2029
It is reported that the FIA does have a clause in the new regulations that could only apply for three years instead of the full five. This would allow ample time for the testing of the sustainable V10s. It would also mean teams would not have wasted money while developing their 2026 challengers.
V10 engines are being considered as they are cheaper and simpler than the proposed 2026 powertrains. This will help F1 create the smaller and lighter cars they wanted. The current spec of the F1 car is too big and bulky, meaning overtaking is tricky.
V10s are also fan favourites. They were last heard creaming around corners in the 2005 season. Fans have criticised the hybrid era for the lack of noise the engine creates which motorheads crave.
Lewis Hamilton Pushes for V10 Engines in F1 as FIA Provides Update
The FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton are in favour of eco-friendly V10 engines being introduced so it looks only a matter of time before F1 cars are screeching again. But how long will it be before were hear the iconic noise of motorsport?
