As Formula 1 races into its future, a surprising twist has emerged from the paddock: the possibility of returning to V10 engines as early as 2028. The iconic, high-revving power units, last heard screaming across circuits in 2005, could make a comeback, powered by sustainable fuels, if ongoing discussions between the FIA, F1 teams, and engine manufacturers bear fruit.
This proposal, driven by a push for simpler, cheaper engines and the nostalgic roar fans crave, has sparked a mix of intrigue, skepticism, and outright opposition among constructors. With the sport on the cusp of its 2026 hybrid overhaul, the V10 debate is shaking up long-term plans—here’s what’s at stake and how the key players are reacting.
The V10 Revival: A Bold Vision
The idea surfaced publicly when FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem suggested in early 2025 that F1 should explore “a range of directions, including the roaring sound of the V10 running on sustainable fuel.”
Since then, momentum has grown, with the FIA’s single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis, confirming on March 23, 2025, ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, that a V10 return is under serious evaluation for 2028 or 2029. The pitch? Ditch the complex, costly turbo-hybrids set for 2026 in favor of lighter, louder V10s that align with F1’s net-zero carbon goals through sustainable fuels.
Two scenarios are on the table: stick with the current V6 hybrids through 2027 and switch to V10s in 2028, or roll out the planned 2026 rules (50% electric, 50% combustion) for a shortened three-year cycle before pivoting to V10s. Either way, it’s a radical shift from the electrification path F1 has chased since 2014—a path that lured manufacturers like Audi and Honda with promises of road-relevant tech.
Constructors’ Reactions: A Divided Paddock
The V10 proposal has split the constructors, with reactions ranging from romantic enthusiasm to pragmatic pushback. Here’s how the major players are responding:
- Red Bull (Red Bull Powertrains/Ford)
Team principal Christian Horner embodies the paddock’s duality. “The romantic in you—a screaming V10—so long as it’s done responsibly with fully sustainable fuels, is hugely attractive,” he said in China. Yet, he’s blunt about timing: “It’s ten past midnight and Cinderella’s left the building” for 2026 changes. Red Bull’s new power unit division, partnered with Ford, is deep into 2026 hybrid development. A sudden shift to V10s could strand them, as they’d lack a current-spec engine to bridge the gap to 2028. Horner sees the appeal but warns of logistical chaos, suggesting 2029 or later as more feasible. - Mercedes
Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ boss, has been vocal about sticking to the 2026 plan. During preseason testing, he argued F1 should “talk up the incoming formula” given the effort invested—effort that’s positioned Mercedes as a 2026 frontrunner. Sources indicate Mercedes can’t supply current engines beyond 2025 due to halted production, making a delay to 2028 unworkable for them and their customers (e.g., McLaren, Aston Martin). While not opposed to V10s in principle for 2029 or 2030, Wolff’s camp sees the short-term flip as “opportunistic” and disruptive. - Ferrari
Ferrari, a historic V10 titan (think Schumacher’s 2000s dominance), is reportedly warming to the idea. The Race noted on March 21, 2025, that Ferrari might back a V10 return post-2026, especially if sustainable fuels prove viable. Their silence suggests cautious optimism—V10s could revive their engine-building legacy—but they’re not pushing to scrap 2026, having sunk resources into the new hybrids. - Audi
Set to join F1 in 2026 as Sauber transforms into a works team, Audi has taken a firm stand against an early V10 switch. Posts on X from March 24, 2025, highlight Audi’s public rejection, arguing they’ve tailored their entry around the 2026 hybrid rules. Without a current engine to fall back on, Audi would be left stranded if the 2026 regs were axed. Their investment in electrification tech also clashes with a V10’s simpler design, making them a key opponent. - McLaren
CEO Zak Brown calls V10s “pretty cool with sustainable fuels,” echoing Horner’s fan-driven enthusiasm. But he’s puzzled by the timing: “I don’t see how you unwind what’s in place” with Audi entering and Alpine switching to Mercedes engines in 2026. McLaren, tied to Mercedes’ hybrid program, is ready for the new rules and sees a sudden pivot as a “head-scratcher” given the logistical mess it’d create. - Alpine (Renault)
Alpine’s Oliver Oakes finds it “quite a romantic idea,” especially as Renault exits engine-making post-2025 to take Mercedes units. A V10 return might tempt Renault back someday—2005 was their V10 title year—but Oakes admits “the train has left the station” for 2026. He’s open to a later shift, seeing it as “good for Formula 1 to go back that way a little bit,” but not at the cost of current commitments. - Honda (Aston Martin)
Honda, returning in 2026 via Aston Martin, is lukewarm at best. Their focus on hybrid tech for road cars (and F1’s 2026 appeal) makes a V10 step backward unpalatable. Like Audi, they’ve invested heavily in the upcoming rules, and a 2028 switch would disrupt their long-term strategy
The Bigger Picture: Costs, Fans, and Feasibility
The V10 push stems from two drivers: cost control and fan appeal. Tombazis noted that “current power units are way too expensive,” a sentiment echoed by constructors wary of hybrid complexity. A simpler V10 could open the door to independents like Cosworth, reducing reliance on big manufacturers. Meanwhile, stars like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have cheered the idea—Verstappen even hinting it might extend his F1 career—reflecting fans’ longing for the old-school roar.
But hurdles loom large. Audi and Honda’s opposition, tied to their 2026 entries, makes scrapping those rules a non-starter—unanimous team consent is required, and it’s not there. Noise pollution laws in places like the U.S. could also cap V10 decibels, dulling the dream. And with manufacturers like Cadillac (joining in 2028) banking on hybrids, a V10 shift risks alienating the very OEMs F1 courted.
What’s Next?
The FIA insists on “consensus,” per Tombazis, meaning no rash moves. The 2026 regs seem locked in, but a V10 transition by 2029 or 2030 could gain traction if sustainable fuels prove their worth. Constructors are torn—some seduced by the V10’s allure, others anchored by sunk costs and road relevance. For now, it’s a tantalizing “what if” that’s revving up debate, but the paddock’s pragmatists may keep it a distant echo rather than a near-term roar.