A Bahrain summit sparks bold debate on engines, as the FIA and teams consider a dramatic return to naturally aspirated power.
Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner has lifted the lid on a recent high-level meeting in Bahrain, where Formula 1 teams, manufacturers, and the FIA gathered to discuss the long-term direction of the sport’s engine regulations.
While the much-debated 2026 power unit rules will go ahead as planned, with hybrid engines running on fully sustainable fuel, the bigger takeaway was what might come after 2026. The idea of a return to naturally aspirated engines, possibly even the iconic V10s, is not entirely off the table.
A future still open-ended
“There was a lot of speculation around potential delays or changes,” Horner explained. “But Friday’s meeting, called by the FIA, was very constructive. 2026 is locked in, but longer term, the question is: what’s the right trajectory for Formula 1?”
That trajectory could include a shift back to V10s or V8s, but not before 2028, and not without compromises. The discussion, while in early stages, reflects growing interest in reintroducing the visceral, high-revving engines that many fans still crave.
“This isn’t something for 2027, that’s too soon. It’s more of an exploratory phase right now,” Horner said. “The FIA wants feedback. The engine manufacturers will go away, do their homework, and the dialogue will evolve from there.”
Nostalgia meets reality
The romanticism of the V10 era is undeniable, the sound, the simplicity, the thrill. But Horner was quick to stress that any return must align with F1’s sustainability goals.
“For the purist in me, the idea of a screaming V10 is very appealing,” he admitted. “But it has to be done responsibly. The FIA made it clear: any future engine must retain hybrid elements. It’s not just about nostalgia, it’s about what kind of engine makes sense in a world pushing toward electrification.”
Economic uncertainty a key factor
Another challenge shaping the discussion: global economics. Horner warned that F1 must remain agile in the face of potential financial turbulence.
“You can’t ignore the volatility we’re seeing,” he said, referencing trade tariffs under the Trump administration and the looming risk of recession. “Back in 2008, the global crisis pushed several manufacturers out of the sport. That kind of risk still exists. Whatever direction we take, cost control is crucial.”
One silver lining: sustainable fuel technology is making real progress. The upcoming 2026 regulations are set to showcase 100% sustainable fuel, a milestone Horner called “a very encouraging step.”
The conversation continues
Encouragingly for fans of raw engine sound and performance, another meeting is already on the books, one that could address a potential softening of strict homologation rules.
The FIA, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment to the 2026 rulebook, but left the future open-ended:
“The FIA has invested significant time developing the 2026 hybrid regulations in close collaboration with stakeholders. These will remain in place. But we will continue to explore the long-term technical direction of the sport. Electrification remains a key pillar, as does sustainable fuel.”
Audi, which is entering F1 in 2026 with the Sauber team, backed the outcome of the Bahrain meeting.
“We thank the FIA and President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for organizing these discussions,” the manufacturer said. “Audi is fully committed to entering Formula 1 with cutting-edge technology. The 2026 regulations align perfectly with our vision of high-efficiency engines, advanced hybrid systems, and sustainable fuels.”
For now, the V10 is still a dream. But in the ever-evolving world of F1, even the loudest ideas might not be so far-fetched after all.
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F1 Eyes V10 Comeback as FIA Opens Future Talks
F1 Eyes V10 Comeback as FIA Opens Future Talks