In the midst of the Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain, Christian Horner, Red Bull’s Team Principal, shared his thoughts on the future of the sport. Horner, known for his candid remarks, expressed concern over the direction of Formula 1, urging teams to prioritize ‘entertainment’ over ‘engineering utopia’.
The sport is set to introduce a new generation of power units by 2026, with engines designed to run on entirely sustainable fuel. This initiative will see a balanced 50/50 split between electric and engine power, contributing to lower energy usage and net zero CO2 emissions. This shift not only represents a significant technological advancement, but also a commitment to more environmentally friendly practices.
However, the echoes of the past are still resonating within the F1 community. Recently, a call was made for the return of the beloved V10 engines, revered for their roaring sound. The suggestion was put forward by the newly appointed FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. In a statement on social media, Sulayem expressed his interest in exploring a variety of directions, including the possibility of a V10 engine powered by sustainable fuel.
The FIA confirmed to PlanetF1.com that a working group will be established to delve into all potential routes. This includes exploring the feasibility of a V10 powertrain running on sustainable fuel, an idea that will need to align with ongoing environmental and cost-containment strategies.
As expected, the mention of a potential return to the V10 engine has stirred a divide among the F1 team principals. Mercedes motorsport boss, Toto Wolff, dismissed the idea as ‘opportunistic thoughts’. Horner, on the other hand, welcomed the suggestion, stating it could bring back the iconic sound of Grand Prix racing.
However, the debate does not end there. With the FIA’s working group in the offing, it’s expected that every team and their respective engine manufacturers will weigh in with their opinions. Historically, these viewpoints have always leaned towards what best fulfills their individual needs and objectives.
Mercedes, who dominated the scene when the turbocharged V6 engines were introduced in 2014, are rumored to be in favor of continuing with the same setup. Red Bull, on the other hand, are new entrants in the power unit sphere. They are speculated to be more open to changes, given that their first engine will roll off the Red Bull Powertrain dyno next year.
In the midst of these dissenting views, Horner made a call for unity. He urged teams to work together to prioritize ‘entertainment’ over ‘engineering utopia’. During an interview with talkSPORT, Horner explained, “There needs to be an element of collaboration in protecting the sport. You have to think bigger picture of what is right for the business, for the sport. Formula One is perhaps lacking this at the moment; there’s too much self-interest.”
Horner also emphasized the role of Formula 1 as an entertainment sport, describing it as “modern-day chariot racing”. He argued that the focus should be on delivering exhilarating, edge-of-the-seat action for the fans, rather than being driven down an engineering utopia. “It still needs to be entertainment. This is ultimately person and machine at the absolute limit,” he concluded.
As the sport gears up for its next evolution, the debate on what the future of Formula 1 should look like continues. Whether it’s the roar of a V10 engine or the hum of a sustainable power unit, the ultimate aim is to deliver an exciting and sustainable sport for its global fanbase.