The Audi Formula 1 project has indicated a negative stance towards a mooted early switch to V10 engines.
The proposed engine formula that Audi and the remaining four OEMs (Honda, Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari) have been pouring significant time and investment into come into effect next year.
2026 will see the current hybrid power units altered, with the introduction of sustainable fuels, the removal of the MGU-H system and a greater reliance on the electrical component of the powertrain.
Concerns have been drawn regarding energy conservation and the fact the 2026 chassis in aerodynamic regulations were designed to compensate for this.
As a result, talk of a return to V10 engines has gathered pace in recent weeks, using 100% sustainable fuels to make them environmentally conscious.
Speculation points to an introduction as early as 2028 or ‘29, or even, more drastically scrapping the 2026 engine formula and continuing as planned with the current hybrids until V10s can be reintroduced.
A statement by Audi – which is set to enter F1 next year following its takeover of Sauber – shared with select media including Motorsport Week, would suggest the German marque is in opposition to such a change.
“The upcoming regulation changes, including the new hybrid power unit regulations set for the 2026 season and beyond, were a key factor in Audi’s decision to enter Formula 1,” the statement began.
“These power unit regulations reflect the same technological advancements that drive innovation in Audi’s road cars.”
Why F1’s engine rules are changing?
Indeed, the very nature of the 2026 power unit regulations was a deliberate step to entice new OEMs to F1, with Audi, Ford (in partnership with Red Bull) and Cadillac (producing a power unit for 2028) all taking the series bait.
Honda also made a U-turn on its F1 exit to take on the 2026 power unit regulations with Aston Martin.
Changing things now, or as early as 2028, would cause these new parties a significant headache.
Public consensus in the F1 paddock is that making a switch to V10s at this stage is premature.
Currently, the proposed 2026 rule changes will be in effect through 2030, but the FIA has already begun discussions with OEMs to bring in a change two years earlier to introduce a cheaper alternative.
In February, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem wrote on social media: “While we look forward to the introduction of the 2026 regulations on chassis and power unit, we must also lead the way on future technological motorsport trends.
“We should consider a range of directions including the roaring sound of the V10 running on sustainable fuel. Whichever direction is chosen, we must support the teams and manufacturers in ensuring cost control on R&D expenditure.”
Red Bull: ‘Cinderella has left the building’
Speaking on the matter in China, Red Bull CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner said: “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 ten past midnight and Cinderella’s left the building. So, the romantic in you—a screaming V10—so long as it’s done responsibly, with fully sustainable fuels, is hugely attractive. 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.”
Red Bull is believed to be one of the parties open to a change, along with Ferrari and to curtail the five-year road map for the 2026 regulations, the FIA, Formula One Management and four out of five OEMs would need to be in agreement.
Audi has implied it’s one of five in opposition, with Ferrari, like Red Bull, an apparent supporter of a change, according to reports.
That leaves Mercedes and Honda with the ability to cast a vote in either direction.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said in China, (via The Race) “We as Mercedes are always open, whether that’s in the future an eight or ten cylinder, naturally aspirated or turbo, energy recovery and whatever size,” but added, “I think we’re racing with exciting regulations next year that were brought in by the FIA to accommodate newcomers like Audi, and I guess we achieved that.”
Honda’s stance, meanwhile, isn’t clear at this stage, but given its U-turn on F1 was built on a similar principle to Audi’s entry, it could well be in favour of avoiding change.
F1 employed the use of V10 engines from 1989 through 2005 and at their peak, they could roar to 20,000 RPM and beyond, screaming around Grand Prix circuits to the delight of motorsport enthusiasts.
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