F1 set to reject controversial V10 engine return plans - report

Formula 1 engine manufacturers are poised to reject plans to reintroduce V10 engines into grand prix racing and scrap the 2026 engine regulations, it has been reported.

Speculation has been growing in recent weeks that the new 2026 power unit regulations, featuring beefed-up electrical systems with the MGU-K set to increase from 120kw to 350kw of energy, as the MGU-H is removed. 

The engines will run on fully sustainable fuel, with Audi enticed to F1 for the first-time by the new package, which will coincide with the introduction of active aerodynamics on the chassis. 

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been one backer of the return to V10 engines, armed with fully sustainable fuel, with the design last being used in F1 in 2005 before the move to V8 for '06, which were then replaced by the current turbo hybrids in 2014.

Talk of extending the current power unit regulations until the end of 2028 and then reintroducing V10s for '29 thus scrapping the '26 rules set has been discussed by the power unit manufacturers signed up - Mercedes, Honda, Audi, Ferrari, and Red Bull Powertrains - with the FIA and F1, but the plan is set to be rejected, BBC Sport reports.

Audi has made its intentions long since clear that it is not interested in wasting the investment already made into the 2026 rules cycle - with such a decision meaning the Ingolstadt concern would not have a works supply for 2026-28 and would need to develop a V10. 

Honda is also against the proposal after being enticed back into a full works operation by the new rules, with the increased electrification matching the ongoing wider company objectives. 

Under F1's rules, four of the five manufacturers must agree to change the rules, but with Audi and Honda being against, it is not possible for the change to be approved.

Mercedes is another voice of opposition to the idea as it regards hybrid technology crucial to its plans, whilst Red Bull Powertrains and Ferrari are understood to be open to the change to V10, but would lose any such vote. 

A meeting is planned for next weekend at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where a final decision could be made.