Brown on V10 engines: F1 ‘can’t unwind what’s in place’ for 2026

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has dismissed the idea that Formula 1 could backtrack on its incoming 2026 power unit regulations in favor of a return to V10 engines.

While the prospect of fully sustainable-fueled V10s has gained traction in recent weeks, Brown believes the sport is too far along in its current direction to make such a dramatic U-turn.

The 2026 regulations, with their beefed-up electrical systems delivering nearly 300% more energy and the removal of the MGU-K, represent the biggest engine shake-up since the turbo-hybrid era began in 2014.

For Brown, scrapping the sport’s new regulations isn’t just impractical – it’s impossible, while reducing the upcoming new engine cycle from five to three years – meaning running under the new rules from 2026 to 2028 – seems equally unworkable.

“Formula 1 has always been a very technical challenge when you have new regulations, and this is no different for 2026,” Brown told the media recently, quoted by RacingNews365.

“We’re happy to race and ready to race in whatever the rules may be. I think a V10 definitely would be pretty cool with sustainable fuels, but I don’t really see how you can unwind what’s in place, really because of all the different power unit changes that are happening right now.

“Audi’s coming in, Alpine’s going to Mercedes for an engine, and logistically, I’m not sure how you put the genie back in the bottle.”

Audi and Honda Commitments Make a U-Turn Unfeasible

One of the biggest hurdles to a V10 return is the impact on manufacturers who have already committed to the 2026 hybrid formula.

Audi, which is set to enter F1 as a power unit supplier for the first time, has invested heavily in developing a hybrid engine. Similarly, Honda will return as a works supplier with Aston Martin under the new regulations.

For these manufacturers, scrapping the 2026 rules would be a costly and potentially deal-breaking decision.

“But from our standpoint, we’re with [Mercedes] HPP, we’re very happy,” Brown added. “They’re ready to go – or will be ready to go, and so that wouldn’t impact us.

“But it is a bit of a head-scratcher of how you would put that in place if you did want to make a change.”

A History of Rule Change Concerns

While some concerns have been raised about the new hybrid era – particularly the balance between electrical and combustion power – Brown believes that resistance to change is a normal part of F1’s evolution.

“Every time there’s a rule change, I remember when hybrids came in last time there was some concern, and that’s worked out just fine,” he noted.

“So I’m sure the engineers will get on the technical challenge and remain very excited.”

As F1 debates its engine soul, Brown’s stance is a pragmatic anchor: the 2026 regulations are here to stay, V10 dreams be damned. The genie’s long gone, and McLaren’s ready to chase it – electric surge and all.

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