F1 considering louder future with V10s and sustainable fuel

LONDON – Formula One could be racing towards a far noisier future after the sport’s governing body triggered talk of a return to roaring V10 engines, this time powered by fully sustainable fuel.

Grand prix cars have been powered by 1.6 litre V6 turbo hybrid engines since 2014, with new rules from 2026 to 2030.

The current engines, while marvels of engineering, are hugely expensive and far quieter than the ear-splitting naturally aspirated and high-revving V10s, which wowed the fans until their final appearance on the starting grid in 2006.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the governing FIA, raised the possibility in a post on Instagram reflecting on Formula One’s spectacular– and very loud – 10-team launch in London on Feb 18.

The crowd, more than 15,000-strong, had booed mention of the FIA during the proceedings.

“This week’s F1 launch in London has triggered a lot of positive discussion on the future of the sport,” said the Emirati in the post on Feb 20.

“While we look forward to the introduction of the 2026 regulations on chassis and power unit, we must also lead the way on future technological motor sport trends.

“We should consider a range of directions including the roaring sound of the V10 running on sustainable fuel. Whichever direction is chosen, we must support the teams and manufacturers in ensuring cost control on RD (research and development) expenditure.”

An FIA spokesman confirmed discussions were ongoing with stakeholders over the sport’s technical direction from 2030, and a working group was likely to be set up to explore all possibilities.

“A V10 power train running on sustainable fuel would be part of those considerations which would be tied to environmental and cost-containment measures,” he added.

“While we are fully focused on the introduction of the 2026 regulations, and the