On the eve that Formula 1 is set to implement a new regulation cycle in 2026, rumours emerged over the Chinese Grand Prix weekend that switch back to V10 engines was being discussed.
A return to the screening V10s would be proposed for as early as 2028, with the current regulations being extended until then and F1’s plans for 2026 being scrapped.
Such a move was reportedly being discussed between manufacturers and the FIA [via The Race], following concerns over costs and unwanted side effects that could happen with the 2026 power units.
When asked about the move in the team principals’ press conference, there was a unified consensus that any discussion about scrapping next year’s rules was probably too late, with Christian Horner remarking: “It’s ten past midnight and Cinderella’s left the building.”
While such a discussion is likely be part of any agenda that looks at reducing costs in F1, the idea of switching back to V10s gathered some momentum and drivers were asked about the possibility.
Fernando Alonso thinks a switch to V10s would put F1 behind the technology curve
Fernando Alonso was the last driver to win a championship with a V10 engine, when he took his first world championship with Renault in 2005.
The Spanaird last drove the R25 in Abu Dhabi in 2020 as part of a return outing with Alpine, which caught the attention of nearly everyone in the paddock. However, when speaking to Marca, Alonso noted how a move to older-spec engines would put F1 behind the technology curve.
“I love the era of the V10 and the V8 and the sound, but now we live in a different world and we now have an incredible engine that consumes a third of the gasoline of those,” said Alonso.
“It is a decision that those above, such as FOM and FIA, must make. As drivers we want the fastest possible car, it doesn’t matter the engine behind it. Maybe the added ones may have something to say, but we cannot be strangers to the time we live, to the hybrid era and how efficient cars are.
“It’s like thinking that we can drive without the halo, because we keep moving forward. We have a good F1, a good sport and it is difficult to invent something that may lead us to something unknown.”
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A decision to scrap the 2026 power unit regulations would directly impact Fernando Alonso’s championship chances
A decision to scrap next years regulations would have a direct on Alonso’s chances of winning a third title with Aston Martin, as he is banking on their partnership with Honda being success.
Honda being reunited with Adrian Newey is thought to be a key driver behind Alonso’s decision to extend his contract with the team through to the end of 2026, which would take him up to 45 years-old.
Billionaire Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll has spent millions in the last few years building up their facilities, including a new wind tunnel, that should put them in contention for titles.
If they were to continue with the current power units and switch back to V10s, this would potentially derail those plans and impact involvement from other manufacturers more widely.
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