FIA meeting on future F1 engines ends without a commitment to bringing back V10s
A meeting between Formula 1 governing body the FIA and engine manufacturers has ended without a clear commitment to any future return to fan-favorite V10 engines. Amid concerns over the cost and sound of the current V6 turbo hybrids — there will be a new generation of those from next year — FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem suggested in February that there could be a return to “the roaring sound of the V10.” The FIA statement on the meeting, held ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, said “all parties are committed to the 2026 regulations” but they also “agreed to continue discussions on the future technical direction of the sport.” There was no mention of V10 engines specifically in the FIA account of the meeting, though it said: “Besides the 2026 regulations, a range of options and timelines for the future were discussed. One of the topics under discussion was the adoption of normally aspirated engines with sustainable fuel.” The FIA added there was an understanding that “a level of electrification will always be part of any future considerations,” which signals a continuing place for hybrid technology.