Former World Champion Sebastian Vettel has revealed that he is in support of the V10 engine making its return to F1.
The possible return of the V10 has been a hot topic up and down the paddock. While opinions on the possible return have naturally been mixed, key figures in the sport expressed their interest in the possible return.
In a recent interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Vettel shared his own thoughts on the topic. He notably spoke on the negative impact that the newer generation engines has on the viewing experience and over-complexity of the sport.
Current regulations “damaging the spirit of Formula 1”
Formula 1 is soon heading into a new set of regulations in 2026. One big change is that the new engines will have more of a focus on electrical energy.
Vettel shared his belief that the hybrid regulations do not add any value to the sport overall.
“The current engine is too expensive. Apart from the ‘Hybrid’ sticker, there hasn’t been any transfer to series production because it was too complex and too expensive.
“From a sporting perspective, the competition must be as close as possible without damaging the spirit of Formula 1. And people must still be able to afford the sport,”
V10 engine would bring in crowds to the track
Vettel placed the importance of the loud V10 engine in the context of what brings racing fans to the circuit.
“A grand prix is a big event with a large crowd. That allows me to explore many new topics. How do I get spectators to the circuit and back again? What do people consume at the track? Where do things come from? What do they contribute to making it a great event?”
He went on to share his nostalgia of the old engines.
“I was still able to experience what a V10 feels and sounds like. And that is part of the show and the Formula 1 experience. In the past you didn’t just go to the race track to see who would win; you also wanted to breathe in all the fascination around it.“
Although newer fans of the sport do not share his nostalgia for the roaring engines, he does think the current generation of F1 viewers would appreciate it.
“I do think there’s a generation growing up for whom the V10 sound is no longer as important as it is for us, but who could still be excited by it. The question is whether the engine formula has to be relevant to road car production. I don’t think so.”
Can V10 coexist with sustainability?
The new 2026 hybrid regulations form part of Formula 1’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon status by 2030. Therefore, if the V10 was to make its return, this would have to align with the sport’s sustainability goals.
Though yearning to hear the roar of the V10 engine once again, Vettel emphasised the importance of the modern sustainability initiatives in F1.
“It will move away from this transfer and more towards entertainment. We should stick to what we know, but it has to be done better in environmental terms.
“The shoe I buy has to be manufactured in a way that doesn’t harm the environment and that ensures fair working conditions. The same applies to cars and motorsport events. It would be a shame if the motorsport we know were to cease to exist. It’s perfectly normal for it to change.”
