Hi friends,
Have you recovered from Australia yet? I think I’m still jet lagged.
Top Story of the Week: Formula 1 is Moving Closer to v10 Engines
We’ve known for a little while, that the FIA has a small working group looking at the possibility of Formula 1 moving to a naturally aspirated v10 engine running entirely on sustainable fuels. But over the Australian GP weekend, rumours that it may be happening sooner rather than later have really picked up some speed.
The rumours range from completely abandoning the incoming 2026 engines, extending the current regulations for two years and going to v10s in 2028, to v10s being the next formula when the 2026 regulations are set to come to and end after 2030, and everything in between.
Despite the timelines being anywhere from 2 to 5 years for this to happen, they all agree on one thing: There is serious discussion happening about making it a reality.
It’s no secret that there are serious doubts about if the 2026 engine will be a success, with fears that it may actually make the cars slower – and manufacturers stating that they’re finding it difficult to overcome the challenges of the new regulations.
The naturally aspirated v10 design is both simpler and cheaper, getting rid of the turbo and hybrid systems that are currently a very large part of the engine designs. Removing these components could open the door to privateer engine manufacturers, which have been very successful in the past. For example Cosworth, which powered 12 Drivers’ Championships and 10 Constructors’ Championships.
Once the plans to introduce the v10s have been formalised, they’ll have to be approved by the current teams and the engine manufacturers – and word is that it’s a split decision as of now, with teams like Ferrari and Red Bull said to be pushing for the v10s to make an appearance as soon as possible.
FIA insiders are adding an extra layer to this story, saying that the v10 plans making an appearance now, is a calculated PR move by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, to have a response ready if it turns out that the 2026 regulations aren’t a success, and to turn attention away from the current conflict between himself and members of the World Motor Sport Council.
Whatever the case, it would appear that a reintroduction of the v10 design, is closer than we thought.
The Rest of the Stories This Week:
- Eddie Jordan passed away
- The FIA is introducing “flexy wings” tests for the Chinese GP – sooner than previously announced
- All 11 teams have signed the new Concorde agreement, coming into effect in 2026
- Stefano Domenicali met with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minster of Thailand, to discuss the country hosting a Grand Prix
- Due to freight delays, the team curfew was adjusted for Wednesday in China
- The FIA has issued a tender to find a powertrain supplier for LMP2 cars from 2028-2032, covering WEC, IMSA, ELMS and ALMS
- Red Bull has requested a super license exemption for Arvid Lindblad, so he can be an F1 reserve driver
- F1 gained almost 90 million new fans in 2024
- IMSA revealed the 2026 calendar
- WRC drivers are protesting the recent FIA rules on swearing, by refusing to speak English or not speaking at all during post-stage interviews
- Two Tiktokers are being investigated by Australian police, after posing as security staff during the Australian GP
- Drive to Survive was renewed for an 8th season
That’s it for this week, thank you for being here.
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