The V10 engine’s comeback in Formula 1? The FIA hints it might be possible… but not without compromises.
Could the roar of V10 engines make a grand return in Formula 1? While the idea may seem utopian in an era where electrification and synthetic fuels dictate the rules, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, recently stated that a return of these legendary power units isn’t completely ruled out… provided they run on sustainable fuel. So, do you believe it?
Read more:
- Hamilton on vacation at Ferrari? The F1 boss is so comfortable in Maranello that he’s even parked his RV there
- Check out the 2025 F1 team liveries—it’s the best lineup in years
The V10: The best Formula 1 engine?
F1 fans still remember the era of V10 engines, used until 2005, with nostalgia. These high-revving, roaring power units were an integral part of the spectacle, delivering an incomparable sound that still resonates today. Then came the switch to V8s in 2006, followed by the hybrid V6 turbos in 2014—a transition deemed necessary to meet environmental demands and attract new manufacturers. Yet, the public never fully embraced this new generation of engines. They are too complex, too heavy, and especially much too quiet compared to the mechanical beasts of the past. In response to the persistent desire for a more emotional powertrain, Ben Sulayem recently admitted that the idea of a V10 running on sustainable fuel deserves at least a consideration.
A compromise between tradition and modernity
One of the major arguments put forward by the FIA for not abandoning this idea is the evolution of synthetic fuels. Starting in 2026, Formula 1 will adopt regulations requiring an entirely sustainable fuel with no direct carbon impact. This change aims to prove that it’s possible to reconcile motorsport with ecological commitment without necessarily moving to full electrification. It is precisely this evolution that could reopen the door to V10s. In theory, these engines could be adapted to work with such fuel, offering a balance between the nostalgia of their mesmerizing sound and current environmental requirements. But it will all depend on the FIA and the engine manufacturers’ ability to keep development costs in check. That’s the crux of the matter: if a return to V10s means an explosion in R&D budgets, the idea will likely be abandoned quickly. As Ben Sulayem pointed out, teams must receive financial support so that this transition doesn’t turn into a financial sinkhole.
An attractive project, but is it realistic?
Even though the FIA appears open to the idea, the return of V10s remains unlikely today. The 2026 regulations are already set, and they lean toward even more advanced hybridization, with an almost equal split between electric power and the combustion engine. The manufacturers involved in the sport—such as Mercedes, Ferrari, and even Audi, which will join in 2026—have massively invested in hybrids and might view such a radical change unfavorably. Even if synthetic fuels could revolutionize the industry, engine builders have every incentive to continue working on solutions already in development rather than stepping back. That said, Formula 1 has proven to be unpredictable. If advances in synthetic fuels make combustion engines more viable in the long term, then the dream of a V10 comeback might become a reality… provided the manufacturers play along.
This article explores the possibility of a V10 engine returning to Formula 1, the conditions mentioned by the FIA to make it feasible, and the obstacles that could hinder this project despite fan interest.
Images: © Mike Bird
