F1 may revive the snarling, naturally aspirated V10 engines in the coming years, replacing the current turbocharged hybrid V6s with louder, lighter, and more cost-effective power units.
The idea was floated by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem last weekend, according to a report from Reuters. Sulayem acknowledged fan support at the 10-team launch in London last week – although it’s worth noting that the FIA itself was booed when it was mentioned prior to the event.
“This week’s F1 launch in London has triggered a lot of positive discussion on the future of the sport,” Sulayem said on social media. “While we look forward to the introduction of the 2026 regulations on chassis and power unit, we must also lead the way on future technological motorsport trends. We should consider a range of directions including the roaring sound of the V10 running on sustainable fuel. Whichever direction is chosen, we must support the teams and manufacturers in ensuring cost control on R&D expenditure.”
F1 has been running turbocharged V6 power units since 2014. A new set of regulations will debut for the 2026 racing season through 2030, which means that V10 engines could be in the cards by then. Sustainable fuel will also be a priority for engineers as development of new power units regulations continues.
“A V10 power train running on sustainable fuel would be part of those considerations which would be tied to environmental and cost-containment measures,” the spokesperson said. “While we are fully focused on the introduction of the 2026 regulations, and the prospect of the competitive racing they will bring, we also need to keep an eye on the future.”
As a reminder, General Motors is reentering F1 competition in 2026 with a new Cadillac-backed effort. The team will be a full-works team once GM begins building its own power units in 2028. Until then, though Ferrari will provide power units for the Caddy team.
Comments
Real cost cutting???? Just buy NASCAR Chevy II engines. Value in volume.
V10 with sustainable fuel? Sign me up!
The V10 era was a great period for F1 but I like the idea of going back to establishing some ground rules and let the teams/automakers decide on the best configuration, whether that be a V6 turbo, a N.A. LV10, V12 or whatever.
It’s always cool to see the strengths/weaknesses of different engine types on a racetrack. Additionally it allowed carmakers to perfect their signature production engines and enabled a marketing tie-in with what was sold at dealers.
Yes, open the race to innovative configurations. I’m okay with some basic rules regarding cost, safety and performance but things are boring when creativity is stifled.
Rocket3,
Remember the BRM H16? I do. Wasn’t competitive but sounded incredible. Wouldn’t stay together.
Montana Bob
Hmm. V10s on alcohol or methanol would be insane. Fuel consumption on alcohol would probably rule that out. So maybe Indy-style fueling with methanol . . . But the F1 snobs would never adopt Indy car tech so this will be interesting to see.
President Trump’s return has been golden for the automotive industry. No more electric woke non-sense, no more ridiculous laws restricting people from the cars they want. I remember back in 2020 when I was on a vacation, and my C6 ZR1 was pulled over in COMMIEFORNIA for being too loud and other emission laws… Yes the car was not stock. God bless the US and the patriots working at GM and Ford making these amazing cars. I hope that I’m still around so I can see what the hardworking men and women at Cadillac F1 team have in store for us.
Ron
although these cars will be run on alternative fuels, we can still reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Better than lame Formula E .
Thank God !!!
Nothing like leading the way in going backwards. Haha.