The future direction of Formula 1 (F1) engines and the controversy it has sparked have become a recent focal point. Disagreements exist among various parties regarding the choice of engine technology, which directly impacts the development direction and technological innovation of the F1 sport.
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04-01, 2025The incident originated with a proposal by former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone at a meeting to return to V10 engines. This move ignited discussions about engine choices, especially as F1 plans to implement new engine regulations in 2026. International Automobile Federation (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem subsequently expressed interest in the possibility of V10 engines on social media, further fueling the topic.
In 2026, F1 will usher in the largest rule changes in its history, including new regulations for cars and engines. On the engine front, F1 will continue to use the 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged hybrid system, but will adjust the power balance between electric power and internal combustion engines, increasing the total power provided by the hybrid system to approximately 50%. In addition, F1 will introduce sustainable fuels to replace fossil fuels, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Since the introduction of hybrid engines in 2014, some have longed for the naturally aspirated engines of the past, especially the louder, more dramatic sound produced by the 3.0-liter V10 engine last used in F1 racing in 2005. The romantic appeal of the V10 engine and its unique sound are considered more popular with fans. Mercedes has indicated that they would only remain interested if future engine rules include hybrid elements.
However, there are many questions within F1 and among automakers regarding the FIA's position. The climate crisis is a real issue, and the global automotive industry is moving towards electrification. Audi, Ford, and General Motors decided to enter F1 in 2026 precisely because of the new engine rules, and Honda also chose to stay for the same reason. Abandoning the hybrid engines, into which huge investments have already been made, and developing new V10 engines would pose enormous economic and technical challenges. Furthermore, while sustainable fuels can reduce carbon emissions, abandoning hybrid engines would double fuel consumption, thereby increasing carbon emissions. Therefore, the proposal to return to V10 engines seems unrealistic in the current context.
Nevertheless, political factors always play an important role in F1. Some believe that Ben Sulayem's idea of proposing V10 engines may be to win the favor of certain supporters. Currently, manufacturers are actively developing engines for 2026, and rumors suggest that Mercedes is leading in this regard. The V10 engine proposal is believed to be jointly promoted by Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and Ben Sulayem, although it is said to have received some support from Ferrari as well. Abandoning the 2026 rules would require the support of the teams and manufacturers, but at present, this seems almost impossible. The FIA has stated that all stakeholders need to be consulted in order to agree on the way forward and to support the teams and manufacturers in terms of R&D expenditure and environmental sustainability.
