Christian Horner fuels nostalgia with a V10 comeback idea, but Zak Brown sees no way back as 2026 changes near.
A wild rumor is circling the Formula 1 paddock — could the sport bring back the iconic V10 engines by 2028, paired with sustainable fuel? It’s a bold idea that would completely shake up F1’s current direction. But is it actually possible — or just wishful thinking?
Right now, F1 is gearing up for major engine regulation changes in 2026, focused on hybrid power and sustainability. But with Red Bull Powertrains reportedly struggling in its partnership with Ford, some are questioning whether a return to simpler, louder, more dramatic V10s — powered by 100% sustainable fuels — could be the answer.
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Horner’s Take: The Romantic Vision
Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, didn’t hide his concerns during the Shanghai press conference. He’s clearly not thrilled about the direction of the 2026 regulations.
“There’s a lot of debate about the future. The 2026 rules present challenges when it comes to the racing spectacle. The balance between electrification and combustion is difficult, and the chassis has to make up for it,” he said.
Then came the nostalgic twist:
“The romantic in me loves the idea of a screaming V10 — as long as it’s responsibly done with sustainable fuel. It would be thrilling for fans. But the big question is: when? Because switching course now would be a huge shift.”
Horner’s message is clear: V10s aren’t realistic for 2026, but maybe — just maybe — for 2028, the idea could return to the table.
Brown’s View: Too Little, Too Late
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has a different outlook. As a customer team, McLaren isn’t building its own engines — and Brown doesn’t see the return of V10s as practical.
“F1 has always been about big technical challenges, and 2026 is no different. We’re ready to race under any regulations,” he said. “Sure, V10s with sustainable fuel would be awesome, but realistically, I don’t see how we can go backwards now.”
Brown pointed to the complexity of current engine development — with Audi joining F1 and teams like Alpine switching suppliers — as a key reason why a last-minute U-turn seems unworkable.
“We’re with Mercedes HPP and very happy. They’ll be ready. Changing everything now would be a logistical nightmare. And when hybrids first came in, people had concerns too — but F1 engineers rose to the challenge, as they always do.”
Alpine Agrees: Not for Now
Even Alpine F1 boss Oliver Oakes, whose team will no longer produce its own engines by 2026, echoed the same cautious tone.
“It’s a romantic idea, sure. But the 2026 train has already left the station,” he said. “Maybe something to consider beyond that point. But right now, we’re all too far down the road.”
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Could Screaming V10s Return to F1 by 2028? Could Screaming V10s Return to F1 by 2028?
