F1 rules out 2026 V10s – but engine 'adjustments' still being discussed

F1

The FIA says engine manufacturers have committed to the planned 2026 rules, with some modifications

The start of the Japanese GP

Max Verstappen leads the field at the start of the Japanese GP

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Formula 1 bosses appear to have ruled out the early return of V10 engines in the new rules era that starts in 2026, but next year’s regulations are set to be tweaked to find some compromises.

F1’s engine manufacturers and teams on Friday met with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in Bahrain to discuss the regulations and the plan going forward.

The meeting included team bosses Fred Vasseur (Ferrari), Toto Wolff (Mercedes) and Christian Horner (Red Bull) as well as other representatives from Audi, Ford, Honda and Mercedes.

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MPH: F1 in ‘crisis meeting’ as engine civil war threatens to erupt
F1

MPH: F1 in 'crisis meeting' as engine civil war threatens to erupt

Friday's summit in Bahrain between the FIA, teams and manufacturers may have been dressed up as a gathering to discuss the idea of a return to V10 engines. But make no mistake: they're crunch talks as the 2026 rules continue to create problems, says Mark Hughes

By Mark Hughes

The discussions centred around reducing the costs of research and development of F1 engines, reducing the complexity of the power units, and considerations on sustainability, weight reduction, performance, road car relevance and sound appeal.

The gathering was seen as a ‘crisis meeting’ amid concerns that the regulations could result in a huge disparity in performance between some of the manufacturers.

The split between electric and combustion power decided several years ago for the regulations is proving problematic.

As reported by Motor Sport earlier, one engine manufacturer is believed to be in good form while the other four are reportedly far behind the performance of the first one.

As a result of the issues, there have been serious concerns about how the field could be spread out next year if one engine supplier is so far ahead.

Lando Norris McLaren 2025 bahrain GP

No V10 engines – for now

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Those fears led to talk about the re-introduction of V10 engines before the scheduled rules cycle (2026-2030) has been completed.

But Friday’s meeting appears to have ruled out any early switch, with the FIA saying that everybody involved committed to the 2026 rules as they stand.

The governing body said, however, that “minor refinements and adjustments” are still being discussed.

“Besides the 2026 regulations, a range of options and timelines for the future were discussed,” said the FIA in a statement. “One of the topics under discussion was the adoption of normally-aspirated engines with sustainable fuel.

“Whichever engine roadmap is decided upon, the FIA is supportive of the teams and PU manufacturers in ensuring containment of costs of R&D expenditure, taking account of environmental considerations and acting in the best interests of the sport and the fans.”

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