Aston Martin’s Andy Cowell rejects the idea of V10 engines, backing the future of hybrid technology for F1’s 2026 regulations.
Discussions are underway between Formula 1, the FIA, and engine manufacturers to determine the future of engine regulations in the top tier of motorsport. A meeting is expected to take place next week, alongside the Bahrain Grand Prix.
“We are aware that the FIA is considering bringing back V10 engines, and an initial meeting is being planned. But we don’t have further details at this stage,” said Koji Watanabe, director of Honda Racing Corporation.
Honda will be the official engine supplier for Aston Martin, and the team’s director, Andy Cowell, is not in favor of a return to the V10. Cowell, who previously led Mercedes’ engine division, HPP, believes that moving back to a V10 would be a step backward for Formula 1. He sees the upcoming 2026 regulations as a major step forward and a significant improvement.
“You’re talking about a new V10, but I would call it an old V10,” Cowell remarked. “We already have a set of regulations that everyone is working on for 2026. We’re all in that tough development phase where everyone is testing engine designs, transmissions, and aerodynamics concepts. It’s always a challenging phase when you’re developing a product.”
“That said, we must focus on the positive aspects of the regulations. We should be talking about sustainable fuels, the relevance of battery technology for other industries, and the fact that a 350 kW electric machine is incredibly efficient. The round-trip efficiency of the battery is impressive.”
“The starting weight is lower when you look at fuel, and we also need to discuss the straight-line mode, which is actually a more efficient aerodynamic setup. Instead of heating the atmosphere with all the car’s energy, we’re conserving energy with the straight-line mode. So, we need to emphasize all the positive aspects of what we’re working on.”
While rumors have circulated about an earlier implementation of the new regulations in China, Cowell clarified that this won’t happen, and reminded that developing new regulations is a lengthy process: “As of now, it’s agreed that we have these regulations in place for the next five years. Maybe in a year or 18 months, we should start discussing what’s next for 2031.”
“Developing and maturing these powertrains takes time. What will be appropriate for 2031? What do we think will be the right direction at that point? Let’s focus on the task at hand and work hard with the current regulations we have.”
Cowell also praised Honda’s commitment to developing the upcoming V6 hybrid powertrain at their Sakura facility, which will power the future AMR26 cars: “I think Honda is highly dedicated to their work. The level of effort they’re putting into Sakura is immense.”
“For all manufacturers, electrification is a crucial aspect of powertrains. The 2026 regulations, which involve increased MGU power and higher battery energy, are highly relevant to industries outside of F1. Their commitment to the current regulations is strong and focused.”
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Aston Martin’s Cowell Opposes Return to V10 Engines Aston Martin’s Cowell Opposes Return to V10 Engines