Should F1 weigh up FIA president’s return to V10 engines idea? Our writers have their say

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has advised Formulation 1 ought to contemplate a return to V10 engines operating on sustainable fuels – however is the pitch price contemplating?

F1 is switching to completely artificial gas subsequent yr as a part of its engine overhaul, which can characteristic a near-50/50 break up between a V6 inner combustion engine and a MGU-Ok electrical motor, rising the reliance on electrical vitality in comparison with the present powertrains.

Calls from some quarters a few return to V10s operating sustainable fuels has emerged, however a high-profile propositioning from the FIA president brings the subject into a brand new highlight. Our writers supply their views.

It is a ‘crimson meat’ train in courting recognition – Stuart Codling

In the course of the demise spasms of Boris Johnson’s time as British Prime Minister, his authorities launched into a determined sequence of coverage bulletins that had been divisive and infrequently outrageous, however had been nonetheless calculated to enchantment to his occasion’s base.

This was identified internally as “Operation crimson meat”.

There is no such thing as a different method to learn FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s assertion through which he spoke of contemplating “a variety of instructions together with the roaring sound of the V10 on sustainable gas”. The context of his missive was a response to the “optimistic dialogue on the way forward for the game” within the wake of this week’s F175 launch occasion at London’s O2 Area.

This could be the identical F175 occasion the place the transient look of the FIA emblem on display triggered a spherical of booing so voluminous that it was solely challenged by the group’s response to Crimson Bull crew principal Christian Horner taking the stage. Ben Sulayem wasn’t within the room however a number of of his senior media functionaries had been, so phrase of this outrage could have acquired again.

Ben Sulayem says “we should prepared the ground on future motorsport traits” however the V10 is something however. It belongs in a rose-tinted imaginative and prescient of the previous – one the place Mars bars had been larger, Take That had been nonetheless a five-piece, and well being & security didn’t rule the world so you may nonetheless climb within the bathtub with a toaster.

This isn’t to say that it isn’t fascinating, or that it couldn’t be made to work. If sustainable fuels will be produced at scale for an affordable price, then there’s no purpose in precept to not produce engines of no matter swept quantity and with nevertheless many cylinders.

The query is: who would construct these engines? Because the highway automotive business is absolutely set on target for electrification, it might be one hell of a pivot for any producer to use its badge to an inner combustion engine.

In fact, that assumes F1 wants highway automotive producers. There’s an argument to say it might be higher for this class of motorsport to sever its ties with that business, keep true to its roots, and depend on specialists akin to Cosworth to provide bespoke inner combustion engines which may then carry no matter badge. In any case, Crimson Bull briefly sailed with TAG Heuer on its engine covers.

Except Ben Sulayem is envisioning a future with out the highway automotive producers, then, we’re left with what this actually is: a red-meat train to court docket recognition among the many fan base.

There’s sense to the thought because it may benefit F1 on a number of fronts – Alex Kalinauckas

Being in settlement with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is moderately a uncommon place – though I believe the underlying intention of the cack-handed clampdown on driver expression has some benefit with regards to making an attempt to cut back abuse of officers. Right here, although, he’s making sense.

The development of sustainable fuels has the potential to be game-changing for our burning planet. And so F1, its groups and producers ought to and will play an thrilling function in proving and bettering the expertise.

Begin motion, Fernando Alonso, Renault R25, Juan Pablo Montoya, McLaren MP4-20 Mercedes

Picture by: Motorsport Pictures

For followers, it’d be an extra win if the heavy hybrids will be deserted. The noise of a screaming V10 is vital to some, however getting again to the nimble automobiles of earlier generations – a said purpose of the FIA even throughout the 2026 rule adjustments – alone may enhance the spectacle extra total.

Think about smaller automobiles, with drivers pushing flatout and racing carefully amid the tweaked aerodynamics of the present period. Certain, work could be wanted to make sure tyre degradation would play an element in overtaking, because it’s the one synthetic methodology F1 has acquired so as to add pleasure that works. However it has attractive potential.

This matter goes to maintain cropping up as this season progresses and the rollout of the brand new fuels begins in earnest – with the oil firms backing groups searching for a aggressive and PR edge for his or her merchandise. So, why not lean into it?

It’s a preferred thought with drivers ex and present, too. They inevitably need the higher thrill of flinging lighter machines around the globe’s racetracks and in the event that they get that they could simply play a helpful half in explaining why such expertise can profit extra than simply the extraordinarily privileged.

So what if the producers’ aren’t enthused proper now? Its short-term pondering of massive companies that has so screwed issues thus far. If there’s a method to fulfill all, then not less than give it a go.

F1 will need its racing spectacle preserved – and I’m towards the fixed rule adjustments of this period, as they imply simply as issues begin to get attention-grabbing (late 2024 and this yr) one other guidelines reset will imply one crew or producer will pull clear and the others are left catching up. However, once more, it’s a success price taking (as soon as) that may finally be overcome.

On this, F1 can have its cake and guiltlessly devour it too.