FIA plans return of V10s to Formula 1 as early as 2028

It is a pleonasm to say that in Formula 1, things are moving very fast, but that's the reality. By distilling some comments in the media regarding the potential return of the V10, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, and Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, took the temperature of the teams as well as the fans.

First mentioned to make a smashing comeback in 2031, everything is falling apart according to AMuS and F1 is reportedly considering the return of the V10 as early as 2028. What about the engines announced for 2026? They would be abandoned, in favor of the current V6s that could put on a show for another two years. Everything here is just rumor, nothing is set in stone, but the various positions taken by the very influential elite of the small world of Formula 1 suggest that this is conceivable.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem explained this about the future of Formula 1 after the 2025 season presentation evening held in London on February 18 : " We should consider a whole range of options, including the roar of a V10 running on sustainable fuel." The idea gained momentum following the comments of Stefano Domenicali, who corroborated this by explaining that this technology powered by a neutral fuel could be a solution for the premier category of motorsport.

While the return of the V10 remains only rumored, current agreements stipulate that Formula 1 will integrate a new generation of engines from the 2026 season until 2030. This engine is in line with the current regulations, still using 6 L V1,6s. However, the MGU-H, a thermal generator engine that recovers energy from the turbocharger, will disappear in favor of a simplification of the engine, while the share of electrification will increase (350 kW in 2026 compared to 120 kW currently, an increase of almost 300% in electric power).

Return of the V10: clear advantages

AMuS explains that this goldsmith technology is cheaper and simpler than current engines. The V10 would allow greater accessibility to Formula 1, given that various teams are already complaining about the overly ambitious 2026 engine regulations and expressing concerns. This is particularly the case for Red Bull, in partnership with Ford for the creation of the 2026 engine, which admits its difficulties. Horner also made a point of appealing to the FIA ​​to plead in favor of the V10 in 2028: " Inadvertently, we ended up with a very, very expensive and very complex engine from 2026. The purist in me would like to return to a 'responsible' V10 engine, with sustainable fuel, which can bring back the iconic sounds of F1 cars in Grand Prix racing." 

Furthermore, it would be a considerable boost for newcomer Cadillac. The American team aims to build its own power unit for the 2028 season. Before that, they have a contract with Ferrari for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This change in regulations would allow them to use the proven engine of the Team for two seasons before turning to atmospheric technology, much simpler to develop than the very sophisticated hybrid engines.

Finally, regarding the regulations, 2026 is a revolution: new tires, new aero concept, new engines. So many new features risk causing considerable performance gaps if one of the teams immediately gets its hands on the miracle solution. Who wants to relive 2014 apart from fans of Mercedes This proposed new organization would allow the teams to focus only on aerodynamics for 2026, and they would then have a second deadline for engines in 2028.

Understandable disagreements

The subject of the return of the V10's crazy melody is likely one that all fans agree on. This is not the case among team principals, as the debate is raging in Formula 1 circles. Thus, manufacturers aware of a possible delay with their 2026 engine would be the most pressing for a return to naturally aspirated engines. Red Bull would be among them.

For his part, Mercedes team director Toto Wolf is more moderate. The Austrian believes that " p"At the moment, discussions about the return of V10 engines are premature." and refuses to abandon the 2026 rules. Audi would not have embarked on the F1 adventure if the upcoming regulations did not include a hybrid propulsion and Honda would not have made its return either. Finally, it is worth remembering that work on the 2026 engines has already begun, any changes to the regulations would be a financial waste since all the teams have already invested around half a billion dollars to tame this new technology.

Still according to AMuS, the 2029 deadline could cut the difference. F1 would retain the 2026 regulations, but rather than using them for five seasons, they would only be in effect for three years before being replaced by the V10 in 2029.

Passion or reason, the return of the V10 to Formula 1 is making more and more noise.

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