Is Formula 1 heading towards a V10 revival? Christian Horner weighs in

Audi and Honda have both voiced opposition, and McLaren isn't in favour either — yet the idea of bringing back V10 engines in Formula 1 continues to spark conversation. Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner, for his part, isn’t entirely against the idea.

There has been speculation in Formula 1 for some time now about the reintroduction of V10 engines in the sport. There are even certain forces in the paddock suggesting that this type of power unit should be used by 2028, just two years after the introduction of the completely new 2026 engines. Reportedly, Red Bull Racing is one of the teams in favour of this idea because the self-developed Red Bull Powertrains would not be up to par with their competitors'.

In Japan, Christian Horner certainly did not make an effort to explain why the V10s are not feasible. Perhaps other teams will convince the Brit during a meeting to be held in Bahrain on this topic. "It's an important meeting for the future landscape of Formula 1. Not short term, but obviously medium to longer term. Formula One is in great shape at the moment when you see [the] racing and how close it is at the moment," Horner said.

V10 engines in Formula 1 as early as 2029?

"It's important that we protect the DNA of the sport and I think we all have a collective responsibility that nothing will change in the short term, 26, 27, maybe even 28, but longer term we all have a collective responsibility to think [about] what is right," Horner said.

The Japanese Grand Prix was the first race of a triple header. With the Bahrain Grand Prix next weekend, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix the weekend after, Horner will be hoping that Max Verstappen can maintain his Suzuka momentum to score some crucial points against their rivals.

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