F1 reaches decision over dream return of fallen icon

F1 has put plans to return to the roaring V10 engines of the past on the back burner after a meeting at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Friday.

Called by the FIA, the championship and its power unit suppliers were present to discuss returning to the bygone era, despite looming engine changes for the start of the 2026 season.

Reverting back to the popular design from 1996 to 2005 is possible due to the advent of sustainable, climate-neutral fuels.

RacingNews365 previously reported that a pivot back to V10 engines in the short term was very unlikely, and that now appears to have been agreed.

It is not completely off the table, but will not be introduced in between 2026 and 2029, as some had hoped. Audi and Cadillac were both present at the meeting.

Both parties joined F1 used the understanding that Hybrid V6 Turbo power units would be used for the foreseeable future.

Their rejection of such proposals is likely to have played a role in the decision for F1 not to pursue a short-term change to the power unit regulations.