McLaren CEO Zak Brown has argued that Formula 1 can’t “unwind what’s in place” amid the growing discussion around a potential reintroduction of V10 engines.
Speculation about bringing back V10 power units, which disappeared from F1 at the end of 2005, has become a substantial talking point over recent weeks.
This has culminated amid speculation around the length of usage of the altered V6 hybrids that will be brought in with the new regulations from next season.
The difference from the current engines will be in that a more equal divide between the usage of the internal combustion and electric components of the engine.
The topic has generated significant pushback from many teams publicly, most notably the ones that are also Original Engine Manufacturers [OEMs], who have made the case that any changes in the regulations now will cause significant challenges.
Speaking to media including Motorsport Week ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Red Bull boss Christian Horner attempted to put the brakes on any such notion.
Horner admitted that the 2026 F1 rules might provide a lack of excitement, saying: “I think there’s some limitations to those regulations as far as the show and the racing is concerned.
“We’ve ended up in a situation where the chassis is having to compensate a huge amount for perhaps some of the shortcomings of the split in electrification and combustion.
“But, you know, it’s sort of 10 past midnight and Cinderella’s left the building.”
Horner did concede that “the fan in me” would be keen on the old engines’ return, but concluded it would prove a huge and unusual jump from one extreme to the other.
“So, the romantic in you – a screaming V10 – so long as it’s done responsibly, with fully sustainable fuels, is hugely attractive,” he added.
“I think the big question is: when would that be for? And what would be the game plan between where we sit today and then?
“Because it would be a massive departure obviously to move away from what is currently being worked on very hard for 2026.”
Brown’s sceptical about realistic V10 return
Whilst Brown agreed that the idea of a V10 return would be “pretty cool with sustainable fuels”, he echoed Horner’s other point that the transition may not make sense.
“I don’t really see how you can unwind what’s in place, really because of all the different power unit changes that are happening right now,” he said.
“Audi’s coming in, Alpine’s going to Merc for an engine. Logistically, I’m not sure how you put the genie back in the bottle.
“But from our standpoint, we’re with HPP [Mercedes High-Performance Powertrains], very happy. They’re ready to go – or will be ready to go. And so that wouldn’t impact us.
“But it is a bit of a head-scratcher of how you would put that in place if you did want to make a change.
“And I think every time there’s a rule change, I remember when hybrids came in last time there was some concern, and that’s worked out just fine.
“So I’m sure the engineers will get on the technical challenge and remain very excited, as Formula 1’s always been.”
READ MORE – Fernando Alonso compares potential V10 F1 return to ‘running without the halo’
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