FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has echoed feedback beforehand made by Stefano Domenicali, suggesting that System 1 may contemplate a return to V10 engines together with eco-fuels. This might mark the top of the hybrid period—however solely from 2030 onward.
At this stage, it’s unclear whether or not Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s assertion is only a provocation or a real trace at a doubtlessly viable path. Nevertheless, discuss of a attainable return of V10 engines to System 1 is sufficient to ignite the creativeness of many followers.
To be clear: if this had been certainly a practical and achievable plan, it will be a mid-term venture, with a return no before 2030. The brand new technical rules set to debut in 2026 will run till December 31, 2029, which means any modifications must wait till the following regulatory cycle.
Nonetheless, even mentioning V10 engines, even in the long run, revives reminiscences and hopes which have been dormant for years. Mohammed Ben Sulayem was direct in stating that it’s already time to begin occupied with the rules that can substitute those who have but to even come into impact.
As historical past has proven, drafting rules requires months of conferences, discussions, and negotiations between all events. That’s the reason the time to speak concerning the 2030 guidelines is already approaching. The mixture of V10 engines and sustainable fuels might be a viable different to interchange hybrid energy items in System 1’s future.
“This week’s F1 launch in London has sparked many optimistic discussions about the way forward for the game,” the FIA president wrote on social media. “Whereas we look ahead to the introduction of the 2026 chassis and energy unit rules, we should additionally pave the way in which for future technological tendencies in motorsport.”
“We should always contemplate a spread of instructions, together with the roaring sound of a V10 powered by sustainable gasoline. No matter path we select, we should assist groups and producers in guaranteeing analysis and improvement prices stay underneath management.”
His feedback align with remarks made final 12 months by System 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in an interview with Motorsport.com, the place he urged that different energy unit options past the present hybrids needs to be explored.
“As quickly because the 2026 rules are finalized, we are going to start occupied with the following steps, such because the 2030 engine,” mentioned the Italian government.
“That is simply my private view, not but shared with the groups, though now we have mentioned it with the FIA. If sustainable fuels show to be efficient, we might want to fastidiously assess whether or not to proceed with hybrids or if higher options might be out there.”
In brief, two hints don’t make a affirmation—at the least, not on the time of writing. It’ll take endurance, months of discussions, and settlement amongst all stakeholders. Nobody ought to get their hopes up simply but, however dreaming continues to be free—for now.