Brown issues stern F1 warning as V10 debate rages

Zak Brown believes F1 cannot "put the genie back in the bottle" when it comes to scrapping the 2026 power units and returning to V10 engines.

The possibility of extending the current power unit rules to 2028 and then making a change to V10 engines with fully sustainable fuels has gathered pace over recent weeks in F1, thus ditching the expensive new units set to be introduced for 2026.

These units featured beefed-up electrical systems that produce nearly 300% more energy, with the MGU-K being removed in the biggest shake-up to F1 engines since the turbo hybrids were introduced in 2014.

However, the knock-on effect of such a move back to V10s would be vast.

Audi was enticed to F1 for the first time by the rules package, and would not have an engine capable of performing for 2026-28 unless it becomes a customer whilst Honda is also becoming a works outfit once again, partnering with Aston Martin. 

Brown feels some of the worry around the new generation of power units is part of the course for F1, as he issued a warning that the rules could not be stopped.

"Formula 1’s always been a very technical challenge when you have new regulations, and this is no different for 2026," he told media including RacingNews365.

"We’re happy to race and ready to race in whatever the rules may be. I think a V10, definitely would be pretty cool with sustainable fuels, but I don't really see how you can unwind what's in place, really because of all the different power unit changes that are happening right now. 

"Audi's coming in, Alpine's going to Mercedes for an engine, and logistically, I'm not sure how you put the genie back in the bottle. 

"But from our standpoint, we're with [Mercedes] HPP, we're very happy. They're ready to go - or will be ready to go, and so that wouldn't impact us. 

"But it is a bit of a head-scratcher of how you would put that in place if you did want to make a change. 

"Every time there's a rule change, I remember when hybrids came in last time there was some concern, and that’s worked out just fine, so I’m sure the engineers will get on the technical challenge and remain very excited."