Red Bull team boss Christian Horner warns the FIA about potential plans to reintroduce V10 engines earlier than expected. Both FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali are in favor of a return of the atmospheric engine, possibly as early as 2028, but according to Horner, it’s already too late. “It would be a massive change,” says the team boss.
In 2026, the regulations will be overhauled and all teams will bring a new powertrain to Formula 1. It’s a great opportunity for car manufacturers to test new technologies, and the switch to the new hybrid engine is even a major reason for companies like Audi to enter Formula 1. However, there are also increasing concerns about the 2026 regulations.
Reportedly, Audi, Red Bull, and Honda are struggling to build a competitive car under the new regulations. Moreover, both FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali hint at a return to V10 engines, provided they run on sustainable fuels. The atmospheric engines could reportedly return as early as 2028.
Too Late
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner admits there are problems with the 2026 regulations. “We have a regulation for 2026 and there are some limitations to that regulation regarding the show and the racing,” says the Brit. “The 2026 chassis will have to compensate for a large part of the shortcomings of the distribution between the battery and the engine.”
Despite Horner clearly seeing the problems with the 2026 regulations, according to the team boss, it’s much too late to change course now. “It’s ten past twelve and Cinderella has already left the ball,” Horner continues. “It would be a massive change to have to say goodbye to what is now being worked on hard for 2026.”
