Following a proposal to reintroduce V10 engines in Formula 1, FIA has now officially confirmed that the proposal has been rejected at a meeting at the Bahrain Grand Prix between FIA and F1 to discuss engine options. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem had advocated for the return of V10 engines, despite new 2026-2030 engine regulations that are in contrast with Sulayem’s suggestions.
Senior members from F1 including CEO of FOM Stefano Domenicali, FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis as well as a number of team figures such Toto Wolff, Fred Vasseur and Christian Horner, were present at the meeting. While the president seeked to introduce V10 engines as early as 2028, the proposal was swiftly rejected. The addition of Audi and Ford was another reason for the rejection—considering that the two new teams would have to be subject to unfair last-minute alteration.
FIA has now released a statement confirming the new 2026-2030 engine regulations and the rejection of the return of V10 engines. “In opening the meeting, the FIA President was keen to stress that the purpose of the gathering was to seek cost-effective solutions to safeguard long-term sustainability of the sport and the business of Formula 1.” Clarified FIA.
While V10 engines have been rejected for now, the FIA and F1 members will continue discussions on the technical direction of the sport—including sustainable fuel alternatives and financial regulations related to Power Units.