F1, Engine Alarm for 2026 and the V10 Temptation: FIA Meeting Scheduled for Tomorrow.
At 11 a.m. tomorrow, a crucial summit called by the FIA will take place, where several hot-button issues concerning the future of Formula 1 will be discussed. At the forefront is the topic of a potential return of the V10 engine—currently more of a tantalizing idea than a concrete proposal—alongside growing concerns over the 2026 engine regulations, as some teams are reportedly pushing for an increase in the internal combustion component.
Under the current 2026 regulations, engine power is to be split 50/50 between electric and internal combustion units. This setup was designed largely to encourage Audi’s entry into F1 and to give new manufacturers a clean slate from a technical standpoint. Over the past few months, teams have begun development of their 2026 power units and are already facing some familiar, significant challenges.
The main hurdle is the difficulty in recharging a battery that’s three times larger than the current one. To address this issue, the FIA has made adjustments to the technical regulations, such as implementing constant DRS activation on straights to reduce drag and thus save electrical energy. However, there’s been no official confirmation on the effectiveness of these changes.
Rumors in the paddock suggest that teams are divided on the matter. According to some reports, a proposal may be made during tomorrow’s meeting to alter the power split from the current 50/50 to 40/60 in favor of internal combustion. This move would reduce reliance on electric power and ease the burden of battery recharging. Some insiders view this as a strategic maneuver by teams lagging in power unit development—but more clarity is expected after tomorrow’s talks.
It’s unlikely that the FIA will overhaul the 2026 regulations entirely, but what’s certain is that the current framework is under more scrutiny than ever—and the once-fantastical idea of a V10 comeback might just gain traction.
