The return of V10 engines in Formula 1 appears to be an increasingly realistic scenario. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has previously expressed positivity towards the idea, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem does not rule out a return, through sustainable fuels. Formula 1 now even seems to want to reintroduce the V10 engines as early as 2028. Concerns about the 2026 regulations are indeed growing among the teams.
The V10 engine was found in Formula 1 until 2005. The power unit is primarily associated with the heyday of Michael Schumacher at Ferrari. Both Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem are in favor of a re-entry of the larger engine. German Auto, Motor und Sport reports that Formula 1 is even considering bringing back the V10 as early as 2028, running on sustainable fuels.
Uncertainty about the 2026 engine regulations is reportedly growing among the teams. The racing stables are mainly afraid of greater inequality and an unfair playing field when the new regulations come into effect. The FIA president has therefore proposed to keep the current regulations for two more years, and then immediately switch to the V10. This instead of the hybrid engines that are currently still planned for 2026.
Compromise
Red Bull and Ferrari are open to Ben Sulayem’s suggestion. Audi and Honda, who are busy with the 2026 hybrid engine, are against it, however. The FIA has already appointed a working group to examine the V10 option. A possible compromise could be that the 2026 hybrids are used for only three years, before the V10 engines return in 2029. A final decision is expected to be made soon.
