From 2026, the technical regulations within Formula 1 will undergo significant changes. The most important alteration? A new hybrid powertrain. This promise has had the desired effect; several new car manufacturers will soon be joining Formula 1. However, in recent weeks, there has been much discussion about a possible return to the atmospheric V10. Toto Wolff warns that Formula 1 should not make hasty decisions.
In 2026, all teams will bring a new powertrain to Formula 1. The new regulations stipulate that power will be evenly distributed between a battery and a V6 turbo engine. For car manufacturers, this is a great opportunity to test new technologies. However, as the 2026 season approaches, the new rules are being scrutinized more critically. Development complications and disappointing simulations are causing concern.
Reportedly, Audi, Honda, and Red Bull are struggling to deliver a competitive engine according to the new guidelines. In addition, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali have hinted that sustainable fuels pave the way for a return to atmospheric V10 engines. After all, the sound and experience of this power source are greatly missed within the sport. What does this mean for the plans currently in place for the engine regulations?
Return of the V10?
The most obvious idea is, of course, to stick to the current plans to use the hybrid engines for five years. In that case, Formula 1 could switch to a new engine formula from 2031. However, there are parties pushing for the return of the V10 engine as early as 2028. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, however, warns that the sport must consider its relationship with the manufacturers.”There must be good reasons to adjust the future regulations,” he declared to Autosport.com. “We look a bit foolish if we attract Audi with the promise of a fantastic hybrid engine and then suddenly say we only want to use it for three years. We need to be a reliable partner who says: ‘These are the rules, this is the investment budget, you have to count on that’. And then people can participate or not. That’s why we act in the interest of the FIA, Formula 1, and the teams,” said Toto Wolff. “There must be a long-term plan and everyone must be on the same side.”
‘Red Bull Can’t Keep Up with New Regulations’
Without directly naming Red Bull, Wolff suggested that Max Verstappen proposed to accelerate the arrival of V10 engines because the Austrians are worried about their own performance with the new regulations. “I think certain people want something different because they feel they won’t be as competitive next year as they would like,” he stated.
“As Mercedes, we are always open to these kinds of discussions,” Toto Wolff added. “The question is what the engine of the future looks like. Is it a V8, is it a V10, does it have a hybrid system, does it have turbos, or is it an atmospheric engine? We are ready to take on any challenge, as long as a well-considered decision is made. So let’s now put our heads together with all engine manufacturers and see what the best plan is for after 2030.”
