A significant debate in the Formula 1 community regarding the potential return of V10 engines has received a major endorsement from Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). As the sport heads into a transformative period with new regulations set to be introduced in 2026, the discussion surrounding the future of engine technology and the sound of F1 cars has gained even more momentum.The upcoming changes in F1 regulations are set to usher in a new era, with significant shifts in both power unit technology and chassis design. One of the most notable updates will be a major overhaul of the power units, with an emphasis on incorporating more electrical power into the hybrid engines. Under the new rules, the proportion of electrical power in the hybrid units will rise from the current 20 percent to 50 percent. This change is part of Formula 1’s broader commitment to becoming more environmentally sustainable, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. In addition to this, the power units of the future will be designed to run on 100 percent sustainable fuels, making F1 engines more eco-friendly while maintaining high performance.The introduction of these sustainable fuels is particularly significant, as it could pave the way for the reintroduction of V10 engines into the sport. The characteristic roaring sound of V10 engines is something many F1 fans have longed for, and while the shift to hybrid V6 engines in 2014 improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, the sound and power delivery of V10 engines have remained nostalgic for many. However, the ability to run V10 engines on sustainable fuels without causing harm to the environment could allow for the possibility of bringing them back in the future. This potential return has fueled both environmental and fan-based discussions.Despite the excitement around the 2026 regulations, some within the sport, including Sky Sports F1 analyst Karun Chandhok, have raised concerns about F1’s current pace in adopting sustainable fuels. Chandhok has suggested that Formula 1 should not just be preparing for future regulations but should instead take a proactive stance by leading the way in the motorsport world. Specifically, he has called for F1 to become the first major motorsport series to fully embrace 100 percent sustainable fuels ahead of 2030, helping set a global example of sustainability.Alongside the environmental advantages, another driving factor behind the push for V10 engines’ return is the desire for F1 to regain the distinctive and thrilling sound that was associated with the sport in the early 2000s. The shrill, high-pitched scream of the V10 engines was a signature feature of F1 until their last official appearance in 2005, when Fernando Alonso claimed his first world title in a Renault powered by the iconic engine. The Renault R25, which powered Alonso to the 2005 championship, marked the last time a V10 engine triumphed in Formula 1 before the introduction of the 2.4-liter V8 engines in 2006. Since then, fans have missed the visceral, spine-tingling sound of the V10s that had become synonymous with the sport.FIA President Ben Sulayem has acknowledged the growing interest in returning to the sounds of the past, which has sparked a broader conversation about F1’s direction moving forward. In a recent Instagram post, Sulayem highlighted the positive reactions generated by the launch of the 2026 regulations and the potential for Formula 1 to lead the way in future technological advancements within motorsport. Sulayem noted that alongside the significant changes coming in 2026, the FIA must also consider the future of the sport in various aspects, including the return of the “roaring sound” of the V10 engines, this time powered by sustainable fuel.He emphasized that the sport’s leadership must remain flexible and open to multiple possibilities as they work to shape the future of F1. “This week’s F1 launch in London has triggered a lot of positive discussion on the future of the sport,” Sulayem wrote. “While we look forward to the introduction of the 2026 regulations on chassis and power units, 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.”Sulayem’s comments reflect the FIA’s forward-thinking approach, acknowledging the delicate balance between advancing the sport’s environmental goals and retaining the aspects that have made Formula 1 so iconic. While some purists continue to yearn for the return of the powerful V10 engines, the inclusion of sustainable fuel options could allow for the best of both worlds: a greener future for the sport alongside the return of the unmistakable sound and performance that F1 fans hold dear.As Formula 1 moves closer to the 2026 season and the introduction of the new regulations, it remains to be seen how the sport will navigate these technological shifts. What is certain, however, is that the conversations surrounding the potential return of V10 engines and sustainable fuels will continue to be at the forefront of F1’s evolution in the coming years.
