A heated debate is underway among the three world champions of Formula 1 – Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen. The bone of contention is the potential reintroduction of V10 engines in the sport, with the FIA currently considering the possibility.
The anticipation surrounding the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix was heightened with the revelation that the new F1 2026 rules might be sidelined. Instead, Mohammed Ben Sulayem is weighing up the feasibility of reviving naturally aspirated engines that run on sustainable fuel. If the FIA decides to discard the imminent rules, it would entail continuing with the existing regulations, credited for generating one of the most competitive fields in the history of the sport, until 2028.
This bold aspiration could be a crowd-pleaser, especially among those yearning for the distinct sound of the formidable V12, V10, and V8 engines. These engines lost their allure when the turbo-hybrid V6 power units took their place in 2014.
However, the situation becomes complex with Audi and Honda eyeing a 2026 entry into the sport, followed by General Motors in 2028. This has led to a rift among the aforementioned world champions. Hamilton and Verstappen, who are in favor of the V10 comeback, find themselves in disagreement with Alonso, who contends that it might not be a wise move.
Alonso, who has a penchant for the V10 and V8 era, expressed his concerns to the media, including Total-Motorsport.com. He emphasized the efficiency of the current engine, which consumes only a third of the fuel its predecessors did. He noted that while drivers are eager to pilot the fastest cars, regardless of the engine type, the decision ultimately lies with the top brass, including the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM).
Alonso’s stance could be influenced by his team, Aston Martin’s, upcoming partnership with Honda in 2026, which is contingent on the new rules being implemented. This is after Honda’s initial exit from the sport in 2021, terminating their association with Red Bull. Honda, Audi, and General Motors have already funneled significant resources into the new rules and would prefer them not to be scrapped, especially when competing against legacy teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull, who have expertise with naturally aspirated F1 engines.
However, Verstappen and Hamilton, who hold opposing views, advocate for the return of the classic engines. Verstappen, speaking to Total-Motorsport.com, argued that the older engines bring an added layer of excitement to the sport, even if they might be slower.
Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, echoed Verstappen’s sentiments. He nostalgically reminisced about his early days in F1, when he was mesmerized by the sound of Michael Schumacher’s iconic Benetton and Ferrari cars. He expressed his belief that if sustainability goals can be met, a return to the “amazing sounding engines” of the past would be justifiable.
The debate about the return of the V10 engines in F1 is far from over. While the drivers, teams, and authorities grapple with the decision, the fans of the sport wait with bated breath, eager to see what the future holds for the world of Formula 1.