Nico Hulkenberg delivers verdict on F1’s V10 future ahead of Chinese GP

Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg has addressed the recent discussions surrounding the possible return of V10 engines to Formula 1 as the sport targets the use of sustainable fuel. 

The German driver talked down the rumours, branding them as “noise.” When asked by Motorsport.com about his feelings on the subject ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, especially with Audi joining the grid for the new regulations from 2026, Hulkenberg explained:

“I don’t look at it. I mean, I’ve heard the speculations, the rumours about it, but to be honest, I don’t look into it. I don’t know where that’s coming from.

“I think the power unit regulations as of next year, they’re pretty set in stone and everyone is, I think, already pretty deep and advanced with their development.

“It’s been outlined that that’s the regulations for the future, for the next however many years, so I think it’s noise. But personally, I don’t buy into it much now.”

After years and years of fans calling for the return of the V10 howl, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem claimed that they should be considered for the future of the sport. He said the following at the the F1 75 launch event:

“This week’s F1 launch in London has triggered a lot of positive discussion on the future of the sport. 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.”

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also shared a similar sentiment, previously explaining to Autosport:

“If sustainable fuel is doing the right job to be zero emission and we are taking the point of sustainability in the right way – maybe we don’t need anymore to be so complicated or so expensive in terms of engine development.

“So we may think to go back to engines that are much lighter and maybe with a good sound.”