FIA Chief Aims to Reintroduce V10 Engines to F1

      Clive Rose via Getty Images

      Could the V10 engine make a dramatic return to Formula 1? That's the idea proposed by the head of the FIA after the recent launch event for the racing series in London.

      Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and the governing body of F1, mentioned on Instagram: “As we anticipate the introduction of the 2026 regulations regarding chassis and power units, we must also take the lead in shaping future trends in motorsport technology. We should explore various possibilities, including the impressive sound of a V10 running on sustainable fuel.”

      I apologize, but I might have missed that due to a bit of hearing loss from my F1 viewing during the early 2000s. Did you say V10? As reported by ESPN, the FIA confirmed that discussions are underway regarding F1’s “technical direction” for 2030 and beyond, with no options being ruled out.

      “A V10 powertrain utilizing sustainable fuel will be among those considerations, influenced by environmental and cost-containment strategies,” commented an FIA spokesperson. “While our current focus is on the 2026 regulations and the exciting racing they will bring, we must also keep an eye on future developments.”

      We should acknowledge what many recent F1 fans might be thinking: there’s a chance this statement is merely an attempt to gain popularity. The FIA and Ben Sulayem have not garnered much support recently after introducing some strict new rules regarding drivers' language and unapproved “political, religious, or personal statements.” In fact, the organization faced boos from the crowd during the glamorous F1 75 livery reveal event on Tuesday night.

      Regardless, the 2026 F1 season is set to be a bit louder, thanks to new regulations that will introduce a revamped powertrain. The raw power output from the 1.6-liter V6 will slightly decrease, but the battery output will nearly triple, rising from 120 to 350 kW. Consequently, there will be more power available, and it will operate on 100% fully sustainable fuel.

      However, the electrified V6, despite its cutting-edge technology and efficiency, is also the quietest engine used in the sport. Fans are eager for it to be louder. Even F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali acknowledged this in 2023 when the latest rules were revealed. He emphasized that as the series aims for sustainability, it will not do so quietly.

      “Certainly, we need to adopt hybrid technology for the future, but the goal is to ensure that the engine sound in the new regulations will be louder,” Domenicali stated at that time. “It’s part of our emotional connection to the sport; it’s what our fans wish to hear, and we are committed to fulfilling that.”

      “If sustainable fuel effectively achieves zero emissions… then perhaps we don’t need to complicate things or incur excessive costs in engine development,” Domenicali expressed last year, as reported by ESPN. “Thus, we might consider returning to engines that are lighter and produce a good sound.”

      We certainly took note of that.