Fernando Alonso stands against V10 engine change in F1

Fernando Alonso is the only driver on the current grid to have driven a V10-powered Formula 1 car. This has placed him in a very credible position to discuss the current conversation surrounding the potential return of V10 powertrains in the sport. Maybe surprisingly, despite his personal nostalgia to these thunderous powerplants, he stands against their return.

The 2-time champion believes moving back to a V10 would be regressive in a sport that looks forward.

“Obviously I love the V10 era and the V8 and the sound of those cars that we all miss,” the Spaniard admits. “We’re in a different world now. Technology has evolved and we now have incredibly efficient engines that use about one-third of the fuel we used to.”

His opinion carries immense weight having won his first world champion in that era. 

“We can’t just go against our time and our hybrid era. We cannot forget how efficient the cars are now compared to the past. This is something very positive that we have.”

This reaction comes amidst talks of the V10 powertrain returning to the sport with sustainable fuel. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem raised this as a possibility as early as 2028, despite a change to more hybrid-focused powertrains in 2026 requiring substantial investment from manufacturers. This, unsurprisingly, has sparked debate within the sport. 

Audi, after confirming their part in 2026 after the purchase of the Sauber team, has firmly backed – specifically – the 2026 regulation changes. Having invested substantially into this technology.

“We move on from certain things, and what we have now is a very good Formula 1 and a very good moment for the sport,” Alonso finished. “So it’s difficult to invent something; we could go into the unknown. It’s difficult to know.”

FIA single seater director Nikolas Tombazis has confirmed that the organisation won’t be changing anything without complete fairness. 

“Above all, the obligation is to be fair, and people have invested a lot of money,” he said.

“If nine people are in favour and one person is against and that one person is being treated unfairly, we will always also try to protect the one person.

“We won’t just go on majorities and say ‘OK let’s do it’.

“We’re trying to build consensus here, and if that fails, then we will stay where we are.”

Mercedes’ Toto Wolff has also questioned the proposal, especially after Audi’s arrival.

“We look a bit silly as Formula 1 when we attract people like Audi and offer a great hybrid engine with sustainable fuels and then suddenly say that we only want to keep it for three years and not five.”