Audi responds to potential F1 return to V10 engines

New regulations come into force next season with an increased focus on electrical power, with the changes initially made to entice new OEMs to enter the championship as power unit suppliers.

That plan worked as Honda u-turned on its decision to leave F1 in an official capacity earlier in the decade, although the Japanese manufacturer has remained in partnership with Red Bull and Racing Bulls since, and will supply only Aston Martin from next season.

Cadillac's new F1 team will use Ferrari power for two years before entering its own power unit from 2028 onwards, while Ford joined Red Bull's in-house powertrains project.

Audi is the only new manufacturer joining in its own capacity at the dawn of the new regulations and will take over Sauber to become a fully-fledged works team. However, reports across the first two weekends of the new season suggest that V10 engines could make a return to F1, with rumours suggesting that these plans could be accelerated to 2028, meaning the regulations that enticed new parties could be pushed to one side after just two years.

Audi responds to potential regulation change of plans

Responding to the reports in a statement given to GPBlog, an Audi spokesperson said: "The upcoming regulation changes, including the new hybrid engine rules set for the 2026 season, were a key factor in Audi’s decision to enter Formula 1. These power unit regulations reflect the same technological advancements that drive innovation in Audi’s road cars."

However, GPBlog understands that there is no indication that there would be any consequences to Audi should the regulations be changed earlier than 2031, given the lack of information currently available.

Audi will join the grid next season, led by former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley as team principal and former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as COO.