The 2025 season will mark the final generation of cars under the current technical regulations. Meanwhile, FIA President Ben Sulayem is already looking beyond, suggesting a potential return of the V10 engines, with the backing of Max Verstappen.
The Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for this weekend, will kick off the 75th edition of the Formula 1 World Championship. This season will bring a different vibe, from the many changes we’ll see on track, to the intense battle between the four top teams, as well as the debut of new young talents. It will also mark the last generation of cars under the current technical regulations, before new changes are introduced for 2026, including the introduction of the new hybrid V6 engine fueled by synthetic fuel.
Regarding the progression of the championship’s technical regulations, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his views during a special event celebrating the anniversary of the sport. He declared his intent to look ahead to the “future technological inclinations of motorsport,” considering the return of the V10 engines, used from 1989 to 2005, and known for their unmistakable sound that brings to mind the golden years of Scuderia Ferrari, lived alongside Michael Schumacher.
However, reintroducing such engines—within a category that aims to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030—could make the issue quite complex, in addition to requiring significant investments in Research and Development to figure out how to power them with sustainable fuels.
Even Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur had shared his opinion, emphasizing that it was still too early to discuss the future of engines, given the need to analyze the next generation of power units that will be implemented in 2026. “We haven’t introduced the next generation of power units yet, and there are still fundamental issues to solve. We need to focus on this first before looking too far ahead. I’m sure we will discuss the future, but for now, the priority is the next evolution of engines.” “
On the other hand, Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner and Max Verstappen were more aligned with Ben Sulayem’s opinion. The four-time world champion expressed his support for the possible return of the V10s, adding, however, that it would have been better if the matter had been discussed privately.
““Obviously, I think it’s a great idea, but whether it’s feasible or not is a whole different story. I always think it’s better not to make public statements about these things. It’s better to try to resolve them behind the scenes—it would be better for everyone, ” said the Dutchman to Motorsport.com.
Photo: Oracle Red Bull Racing.