FIA considering F1 V10 return, doesn’t rule out scrapping 2026 engines

The FIA has confirmed it is seriously evaluating a range of future engine scenarios in Formula 1, including a potential return to V10 power units running on fully sustainable fuels.

According to FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis, discussions remain at an early stage, but no options are off the table – including shortening the 2026 power unit rules cycle.

During a media roundtable attended by Autosport in China, Tombazis outlined the two key questions currently facing the governing body: what direction the series should take long-term regarding engine regulations, and what the implications would be for the upcoming 2026 cycle if that direction were to change.

“I think the right way around to go about it is: do we want three or four years later to go to a different type of power unit? That’s question number one. That looks after the long term for the sport,” Tombazis said.

“If the answer to that is yes, then there’s question number two – what we do in the intervening period. That is definitely a secondary question compared to the primary one.”

Tombazis stressed that the FIA is not panicking over the 2026 regulations, which have already been approved and are being worked on by manufacturers including Audi. However, recent comments by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem about a possible V10 return have reignited speculation over the long-term engine direction.

“Certainly the progress with sustainable fuels has led to views that maybe the engines could be simpler. The world economy does lead to views that maybe we should try to cut costs a bit more, and the current power units are way too expensive. That is a fact,” Tombazis said.

“That’s why the president made the comments about a V10 engine in ’28 and so on. And that is something we are evaluating with the PU manufacturers.”

Although the 2026 power unit regulations remain in place for now, Tombazis made clear that the FIA is engaged in active discussions with manufacturers and stakeholders about the long-term trajectory.

“There’s no proposal on the table in that respect. There’s discussion,” he added. “Either way – whether we stay with the current regulations or go with the already approved new regulations – I think Formula 1 would be in a good place.”

These comments are notable, particularly given how far along several manufacturers already are in developing their 2026 engines. Some teams have previously indicated that “the train has left the station” for any major changes.

“Of course, the train has left the station to a large extent,” Tombazis admitted. “My point is that the FIA president posed question number one. Question number two is then posed by a lot of people, depending on where they stand in the discussion.”

“We will seek to be fair in a way that doesn’t disrespect any participant. And clearly, as people are investing money and so on, that is a very important factor in the final decision.”

Audi and BP logo

Photo by: Audi

Tombazis also addressed concerns that a significant change of direction could alienate incoming or returning manufacturers like Audi and Honda. He said the FIA remains committed to finding a balanced outcome that protects both the championship’s future and current investments.

“We are very proud to have brought Audi to the sport, and we fully respect that. And we don’t want them to reverse that decision,” he said. “We’re also very proud to have made Honda reconsider that, because they were leaving the sport and then decided to come back.

“Anything we do is a complex balance between these factors. You’re asking the right questions. All the questions you’re asking are completely logical and valid. The thing is, there isn’t a single point that answers all the questions in exactly the same way – between being fair, protecting the sport, cutting costs, protecting the PU manufacturers, protecting their investment. What we’re trying to do is find that sweet spot.”

Any major change would require a wider approval from both the power unit manufacturers and the teams. Tombazis reiterated that the FIA cannot impose a unilateral decision and would only proceed with consensus.

“Any changes we do, depending on what type of regulations, etc, needs to have broad consensus. There’s a governance process. We don’t unilaterally change things and impose a position,” he said.

That process includes two distinct phases: approval from power unit manufacturers under the PU governance structure, and separate approval from teams if the chassis rules would also be impacted.

The Formula One Championship-winning Power Units: Mercedes-AMG F1 M09 EQ Power+ (2018), Mercedes-AMG F1 M08 EQ Power+ (2017), Mercedes-Benz PU106C Hybrid (2016), Mercedes-Benz PU106B Hybrid (2015), Mercedes-Benz PU106A Hybrid (2014)

Photo by: Mercedes AMG

“If there were ever any chassis changes, those would have to also be approved through the governance process which is a combination of agreements with the teams like the Concorde Agreement and the International Sporting Code,” Tombazis added.

Asked whether unanimity would be required for major changes, Tombazis “wouldn’t like to go into that detail.”

For now, the discussions remain ongoing, with all sides aware of the delicate balance between innovation, cost control, and safeguarding existing commitments. The future of F1’s engine philosophy – be it hybrid, V10, or otherwise – remains open for debate.