Horner adds support to return to V10 engines in F1

Christian Horner says he would welcome the return of V10 engines to Formula 1.

Earlier this month, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem reckoned that F1 should consider switching back to conventional engines powered by sustainable fuels.

F1 cars will use fully-synthetic fuel from next year as part of a regulation change that will see a new power unit introduced. Cars will have a 50/50 split between a V6 internal combustion engine and a MGU-K electric motor.

However, Horner, whose Red Bull team will usher in the new era with Ford-supported Red Bull Powertrains engines, would prefer switching back to V10s in the future.

He said: “Personally, from a sporting perspective looking at what the future engine of Formula 1 should be beyond this next generation, I think particularly with the way that sustainable fuel is going, it does open up all kinds of opportunities.

“Inadvertently, we’ve ended up with a very, very expensive, very complex engine from 2026 onwards.

“I think the purist in me would love to go back to a V10 that was done responsibly, with sustainable fuel.

“If that was reintroduced; the sound of grand prix racing, it's an interesting concept and one to certainly look for after this current set of regulations.”

Christian Klien, Red Bull Racing RB1 leads David Coulthard, Red Bull Racing RB1

Photo by: Mark Capilitan

The soonest F1 could revert to V10s would be in 2030 and there is growing support for a naturally-aspirated engine.

Posting on social media last week, Ben Sulayem said: “This week’s F1 launch in London has triggered a lot of positive discussion on the future of the sport.

“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 motorsport 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 R&D expenditure.”