Formula 1 is set to reject a bold proposal to reintroduce V10 engines, with power unit manufacturers standing firm against scrapping the 2026 regulations, BBC Sport reports.
In recent weeks, speculation has grown around a push to extend the current turbo-hybrid era until 2028 before bringing back naturally aspirated V10 engines in 2029, running on fully sustainable fuel. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been one of the few vocal supporters of this idea, hoping to return the sport to its high-revving past. However, with engine manufacturers already deep into their 2026 development programs, the idea has faced heavy resistance. Under F1’s governance, four of the five manufacturers must agree to a rule change—but with Audi, Honda, and Mercedes reportedly opposed, the plan has no path forward.
Why F1 manufacturers are rejecting the V10 comeback
The opposition to the V10 plan largely stems from manufacturers’ long-term investments and strategic goals. Audi, which is set to join F1 as a full works team in 2026, has already spent significant resources developing its new hybrid engine. A sudden shift to V10s would leave Audi without a works power unit for several years.
"Honda is also against the proposal after being enticed back into a full works operation by the new rules, with the increased electrification matching the ongoing wider company objectives," the report states. The Japanese manufacturer had originally exited F1 after 2021 but decided to return as an official engine supplier in 2026 due to the sport’s electrification push.
Mercedes isn’t budging on this one. The team sees hybrid tech as the future, not just for F1 but for their road cars too, and they’re not about to throw that away. Red Bull Powertrains and Ferrari, on the other hand, would love to see V10s make a comeback, but it doesn’t really matter—without enough votes, their stance is more wishful thinking than anything else.
Also Read: Max Verstappen’s love for V10 engines is clear, but F1’s future leaves no room for nostalgia
With manufacturers locked into their hybrid plans, the 2026 engine regulations—featuring an increased reliance on the MGU-K system and fully sustainable fuels—are set to go ahead as planned. The dream of a screaming V10 era may still live on in the hearts of some fans and teams, but F1’s future remains firmly tied to hybrid power.
In recent weeks, speculation has grown around a push to extend the current turbo-hybrid era until 2028 before bringing back naturally aspirated V10 engines in 2029, running on fully sustainable fuel. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been one of the few vocal supporters of this idea, hoping to return the sport to its high-revving past. However, with engine manufacturers already deep into their 2026 development programs, the idea has faced heavy resistance. Under F1’s governance, four of the five manufacturers must agree to a rule change—but with Audi, Honda, and Mercedes reportedly opposed, the plan has no path forward.
Why F1 manufacturers are rejecting the V10 comeback
The opposition to the V10 plan largely stems from manufacturers’ long-term investments and strategic goals. Audi, which is set to join F1 as a full works team in 2026, has already spent significant resources developing its new hybrid engine. A sudden shift to V10s would leave Audi without a works power unit for several years.
The last F1 car to use a V10 engine - who else misses THAT sound? 🙋♂️
— DRIVETRIBE (@DRIVETRIBE) February 8, 2020
🎥Via: 19Bozzy92 pic.twitter.com/Itr1w818Fy
"Honda is also against the proposal after being enticed back into a full works operation by the new rules, with the increased electrification matching the ongoing wider company objectives," the report states. The Japanese manufacturer had originally exited F1 after 2021 but decided to return as an official engine supplier in 2026 due to the sport’s electrification push.
Mercedes isn’t budging on this one. The team sees hybrid tech as the future, not just for F1 but for their road cars too, and they’re not about to throw that away. Red Bull Powertrains and Ferrari, on the other hand, would love to see V10s make a comeback, but it doesn’t really matter—without enough votes, their stance is more wishful thinking than anything else.
Also Read: Max Verstappen’s love for V10 engines is clear, but F1’s future leaves no room for nostalgia
With manufacturers locked into their hybrid plans, the 2026 engine regulations—featuring an increased reliance on the MGU-K system and fully sustainable fuels—are set to go ahead as planned. The dream of a screaming V10 era may still live on in the hearts of some fans and teams, but F1’s future remains firmly tied to hybrid power.
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