F1 Looking At A Noisier Future

FIA's considerations include the roaring V10 engines running on sustainable fuel

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LONDON - Formula One could be racing towards a far noisier future after the sport's governing body triggered talk of a return to roaring V10 engines, this time powered by fully sustainable fuel.

Grand prix cars have been powered by 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid engines since 2014, with new rules from 2026 to 2030.

The current engines, while marvels of engineering, are hugely expensive and far quieter than the ear-splitting naturally aspirated and high-revving V10s.

The V10s had wowed the fans until their final appearance on the starting grid in 2006.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the governing FIA, raised the possibility in a post on Instagram reflecting on Formula One's spectacular and very loud 10-team launch in London on Feb 18.

The crowd of more than 15,000 booed mention of the FIA during the proceedings.

"This week's launch in London has triggered a lot of positive discussion on the future of the sport," said the Emirati in the post on Feb 20.

"While we look forward to the introduction of the 2026 regulations on chassis and power unit, we must also lead the way on future technological motor sport trends.