Formula 1 will not return to the V10 engines into the imminent future after a “productive” meeting between the FIA and the team on Friday.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Slayem led the conference and previously expressed the view that F1 should consider returning to its last used V10 engine in 2005.
Ben Sulayem had already sought a return in 2028, but the new 2026 rules, which will see major changes in power unit and chassis regulations, are expected to be introduced until 2030.
Sky Sports News understands that the timeline for the next engine formula for F1 has not been in place since 2026.
“When holding the meeting, the FIA president wanted to emphasize that the purpose of the rally was to seek cost-effective solutions to protect the long-term sustainability of sports and Formula 1 businesses,” read the FIA statement.
“FIA is firmly committed to 2026 Formula One regulations. The FIA technology division, together with many stakeholders, has invested a lot of time in framing the 2026 regulations on hybrid power units with 100% sustainable fuel.
“The 2026 regulations govern power units and chassis, attracting new power unit manufacturers to the sport. They emphasize that the right technical path is being chosen for the 2026 cycle.”
Image: FIA says meeting with the F1 team was “constructive”
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner told Sky Sports F1:
“The FIA president wanted feedback on what the next generation would look like. 2026 has been absolutely fixed, but we’re thinking a little bit further ahead about the correct trajectory of F1.
“It’s certainly not 2027 [for a potential return to V10 engines]it’s all subjective, as it’s almost impossible in 2028. It is a mission to discover the facts at the moment, and it depends on the PU manufacturer to feed back to the FIA, and it will proceed from there. ”
Image: The F1 currently has a turbo hybrid power supply unit and last had a V10 engine in 2005
Formula 1 would have needed at least four engine manufacturers to vote in favor of the regulatory change.
Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda will all remain in the sport from 2026, with Red Bull Powertrain working with Ford to supply Red Bull and Racing Bull power units.
Honda had planned to leave Formula 1 after this year, but will remain in the sports, although it is Aston Martin’s only supplier. Audi will be participating in F1 for the first time when taking over Sauber.
The new Cadillac F1 team will also join the grid in 2026 and run under Ferrari power, but there are plans to use their own power units by the end of the decade. General Motors was also part of the meeting held on Friday.
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Cadillac will be participating in the F1 Grid starting in 2026.
FIAs seeking to reduce F1 costs
Under 2026 regulations, 50% of engines are powered and run entirely on sustainable fuel.
The FIA confirmed electrification was “always part of future considerations and sustainable fuel use is “essential.” So returns on a V10 engine almost certainly include an electrical element.
More discussion will take place about the future of Formula 1, but all teams are committed to regulations in 2026.
Image: F1 aims to become net carbon zero by 2030
“Inevitably, when we get big regulatory changes, there’s a difference in performance, and that’s almost certainly true next year,” Horner said.
“Another topic discussed this morning was how fast convergence will occur. There is a budget cap. The engine probably doesn’t need a homologue. You can probably upgrade the engine under that budget cap.
“We all want to do quarter races, not repeating what we had in 2014. [when one team dominated].
“The future is all subjective and speculative. I thought it was a healthy discussion. Everyone is open to ideas about the future, what route does the automotive industry take, what impact will tariffs have? F1 have to protect themselves too.”
Sky Sports F1 Bahrain GP Schedule
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Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brantle breaks down the best chance to win against Bahrain Granpuri
Saturday, April 12th
11:10am: F3 Sprint Race 1.15pm: Bahrain GP Practice 3 (session starts at 1:30pm) 3.10pm: F2 Sprint 4.10pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying Buildup 5pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying 7pm: TED Qualifying Notebook Bookbook
Sunday, April 13th
10:50am: F3 Function RACE 12.20pm: F2 Function Race 2.30pm: Bahrain GP Build-Up: Grand Prix Sunday 4pm: Bahrain Grampuri 6pm: Bahrain GP Reaction: Checkered Flag 7pm: Ted’s Notebook
Formula 1 continues its triple header at Bahrain Grampuri’s Sakir live at Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Stream Sky Sports Now – No Contract, Cancel Anytime
