Already a V10 Opponent? Audi Steps Up to the Plate

Almost unthinkable just a few months, or even weeks, ago, the return of V10s in Formula 1 now seems a real possibility. It all started with a comment from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in which he invited motorsport stakeholders to " consider a whole range of options, including the roar of a V10 running on sustainable fuel ».

This news will certainly delight the purists, but it will further divide the paddock as F1 prepares to enter a completely new engine era in 2026. This was designed with the aim of simplifying powertrains with the disappearance of the famous MGU-H (thermal generator engine which recovers energy from the turbocharger) among other things in order to reduce costs and attract potential new engine manufacturers, and is just as complex to develop since a balance is aimed for between the contribution of thermal and electric power.

Audi against the return of V10s

This is one of the things that interested Audi, which finally decided to take the plunge by partnering with Sauber. which he currently holds 75% of, while this regulation is supposed to extend until 2030. Initially, since the FIA's V10 desires indicate a change in 2028 or 2029. This is not to the taste of the German manufacturer, whose arrival in Formula 1 was conditioned by the simplification of the engines from next year.

« Upcoming regulatory changes, including new hybrid power unit regulations planned for the 2026 season and beyond, were a key factor in Audi's decision to enter Formula 1., Audi said in a statement relayed by The Race.

These powertrain regulations reflect the same technological advances that drive innovation in Audi's production cars. »

Why is Audi saying no to V10s?

A position that is logical given that the company with the rings has been working for almost 3 years on this 2026 regulation, which is supposed to last at least 5 seasons, and has above all put in the big means.

Since announcing its arrival in August 2022, Audi has been in the midst of major investments, including the expansion of its Competence Center Motorsport located in Neuburg an der Donau (Germany). A new 3-square-meter building has been constructed there, housing new test benches for the development of its Formula 000 engine.

Sauber, for its part, has opened an engineering center intended to attract the best engineers to the heart of "Motorsport Valley" in England to prepare for the Audi era.

So after investing several million euros, with some reports that the billion-euro mark has been exceeded, it is perfectly logical that Audi would position itself against the return of the V10, just two or three years after having entered the big leagues.

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