Rumors
'Red Bull and Ferrari back FIA engine plan, will Honda exit F1 as a result?'
The reintroduction of the V10 engines seemed like another empty promise by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, however, German newspaper Auto, Motor und Sport believes that the federation are indeed looking into whether it would be possible to make that happen. These power units would return from the 2030 season onwards with using renewable fuel, replacing the existing V6 hybrid engines.
Soon, there will be new engine rules in Formula 1, as the new technical regulations will kick in. Given its complexity, many fear one manufacturer will end up dominating the competition, and additionally, given their cost, it is remains to be seen whether each will be able to build a competitive one at all.
According to Auto, Motor und Sport, a group have been already formed to assess the possibilities of the aforementioned switch. It is also reported that half of the teams would support such idea. "The manufacturers with the most pressure are those who know they are behind on the 2026 engine," the Germans state. These would include Red Bull and Ferrari.
A reason for Honda to drop out of F1?
On the other hand, Audi and Honda would not see such change taking place. To begin with, the Germans would have never entered the competition if hybrid engines were not used. Honda also decided to remain because of the electrical components. If that would disappear, the Japanese brand's exit cannot be ruled out either.
A team that will begin developing their own engines for the 2026 season, Cadillac, however would be happy to have V10s on board. The Americans are said to have heard about such plans from the FIA president, which also aided their plans to enter. With such change, they would also have a great advantage, because as a new OEM, they would be able to start building their power units earlier.
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sárközi
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