Zak Brown cools down the V10 comeback debate
As the debate heats up, Zak Brown reminds us that the transition to hybrid engines has already been launched for 2026. With millions invested and engine manufacturers committed, going back to V10s would be an almost impossible revolution.
For several weeks now, the Formula 1 world has been buzzing with a wild rumor: what if, instead of introducing new hybrid units in 2026, the sport went back to naturally aspirated V10 engines? With clean fuels in the mix, the idea is certainly appealing. Less expensive, simpler, louder… a nostalgic return that could delight fans and purists alike.
But not everything can be done with the snap of a finger. Brown reminds us that F1 has already launched its technical revolution: « Audi is coming, Alpine is switching to Mercedes for engines, and logistically, I don’t see how we put the genie back in the bottle, » he told the media.
The issue? Millions already invested in developing the 2026 power units, a system that’s already in motion, with engine manufacturers like Audi and Honda having built their projects around the new rules.
A sky-high cost to start over
While giving up on hybrid technology may sound tempting to some, economic reality quickly sobers up the dreamers. Developing an F1 power unit means hundreds of millions of euros. And Brown is clear: « I really don’t see how you can unravel what’s already in place. »
McLaren, set to continue with Mercedes in 2026, has no intention of shaking everything up. And for good reason: why invest so much only to throw it all away? Brown also reminds us that F1 has always gone through major transitions: « Every time the rules change, I remember when the hybrids first came in, there was concern — and it turned out just fine. »
The 2026 engine won’t be just an improved V6 hybrid. Its electrical system will be three times more powerful than the current one, and the MGU-K will completely replace the MGU-H. This is a major shift, demanding technical adaptation from the teams. But Brown remains optimistic: « Formula 1 has always been a very technical challenge when new regulations come in, and this is no different for 2026. »
The engineers are ready to take on those challenges. Dropping hybrids and returning to V10s would be a massive step backward — but more importantly, a logistical nightmare. Who would supply the engines? What investments would be needed? And what would manufacturers like Audi or Honda do, given they came specifically for this new era?
Fantasies or real debate?
Today, F1 wants to move forward. Brown drives the point home: « But it’s a bit hard to see how you would implement that if you wanted to make a change. »
So yes, we can dream about a return to screaming V10s. But in a forward-looking Formula 1, where engine suppliers already have one foot in the 2026 revolution, shifting into reverse seems impossible. « We’re with [Mercedes] HPP, we’re very happy. They’re ready to go — or will be ready — and it wouldn’t affect us, » Zak Brown concludes.
