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Debate Heats Up over F1’s Shift to Sustainable Fuels: Toto Wolff and Christian Horner Voice Contrasting Views on V10 Engines

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 3, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Debate Heats Up over F1’s Shift to Sustainable Fuels: Toto Wolff and Christian Horner Voice Contrasting Views on V10 Engines

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on during day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 26, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202502260249 // Usage for editorial use only //

In the continually evolving world of Formula 1, Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has raised objections to the “opportunistic thoughts” surrounding the debate on reinstatement of the V10 engines. This comes following the endorsement of the idea by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA president, and Red Bull team boss, Christian Horner.

As Formula 1 evolves, the sport is set to introduce new power units in the upcoming season, almost twelve years after the turbo hybrid V6 engines were first introduced in 2014. The F1 2026 rule changes are set to bring a new wave of technological advancements, with an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. The new generation of lighter and smaller cars will be powered by engines that operate on fully sustainable fuels and feature a balanced 50/50 split between engine power and electricity. This groundbreaking shift is expected to cut fuel weights from approximately 110kgs to a mere 70, contributing to the weight-saving mandate. The regulations also propose the discontinuation of the MGU-H.

Despite the significant strides Formula 1 has made in designing environmentally friendly power units, it appears there’s a nostalgic yearning for the thunderous roar of the old-school V10 engines. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, is one such advocate which led to the establishment of a working group by the motorsport’s governing body to explore the feasibility of reintroducing V10s to the grid.

The FIA expressed its commitment to discussions with various stakeholders to determine the future technical direction of F1 following the 2026 regulatory cycle. The possibility of a V10 powertrain operating on sustainable fuel forms a part of these discussions, aligning with environmental and cost-containment measures. However, the focus remains on the introduction of the 2026 regulations and the competitive racing they promise.

Christian Horner, Red Bull team boss, is also in favor of the idea. He believes the progress in sustainable fuel technology opens up numerous opportunities. He fondly envisions a return to a responsibly managed V10 that revives the sound of Grand Prix racing, albeit with sustainable fuel. He acknowledges the complexity and expense of the engine from 2026 onwards but sees the reintroduction of the V10 as an intriguing concept worth exploring for the future.

However, Toto Wolff of Mercedes warns against engaging in such discussions, arguing that it undermines the F1 2026 regulations even before they take effect. Wolff urges stakeholders to express positivity and excitement about the upcoming regulations. He believes that the pioneering moves Formula 1 is making, such as the introduction of 100% sustainable fuel and advancements in battery technology, should be celebrated. According to Wolff, discussions about future engine types seem premature and risk diluting the message of the upcoming exciting regulations.

While Wolff is not entirely against the conversation about the V10, he insists that it should be held at an appropriate time and not overshadow the imminent 2026 regulations. He is open to discussing future hybrid systems and the potential return of the V10’s distinctive sound, but cautions against jumping the gun. The first year of the five-year cycle is just around the corner, and Wolff believes it’s important to focus on the present rather than prematurely discussing what comes next.

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