Aston Martin CEO advocates for hybrid focus over V10 engines in F1

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Aston Martin CEO and team principal Andy Cowell has called for Formula 1 to concentrate on promoting the hybrid powertrains slated for the upcoming years, rather than considering a swift return to V10 engines.

During the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, the FIA revealed it was contemplating a switch to V10 engines as early as 2028 or 2029. This consideration comes after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem earlier this year suggested simplifying F1's engine formula. The idea, which would continue to incorporate the sustainable fuels set to be introduced next year, aims to reduce costs despite manufacturers having already invested substantial resources into developing new hybrid engines for the 2026 season.

The 2026 power units, which were approved in 2022, will showcase a 50/50 blend of electrical power and power from a V6 turbo engine, creating a more efficient system compared to the current turbo-hybrids. Aston Martin plans to switch to Honda power next year, as the increased electrification was a significant factor in persuading the Japanese manufacturer to stay in F1.

When questioned about the V10 proposal ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Cowell remarked, "You refer to it as a new V10, I'd refer to it as an old V10. I think we've got a set of regulations that everybody's working towards for 2026. I think everybody's in the tough phase of development, where everybody's got example power units and transmissions and aero concepts, and that's always the challenging phase when you're developing any product, but I think overall we need to push forwards, talk about the positive things in the regulations.

"[We need to] talk about sustainable fuels, talk about the battery being more relevant to other industries, talk about the fact that a 350 kilowatt electric machine is exceptionally efficient. The battery round trip efficiency is efficient. The start weight from a fuel perspective is lower, and also talk about the straight-line mode, which is actually a more efficient aerodynamic package, instead of warming the atmosphere up with all the car energy, we're not going to do that we're going to save energy with the straight-line mode. So I think all the positive aspects about what we're working towards, we should be talking about that."

The 2026 hybrid engine regulations are set to remain in place through to the end of 2030. The FIA indicated in China that any modifications to this plan, such as introducing V10s in 2028 or 2029, would only occur after consulting with existing power unit manufacturers and teams.

Cowell emphasized his expectation for the 2026 regulations to be upheld until the end of 2030, with future plans to be discussed well in advance. "Currently it's agreed that we have these regulations for five years," Cowell added. "Maybe in a year's time or 18 months' time we should start talking about what comes in 2031. These powertrains take quite a long time to develop and mature. And so what is it for 2031? What do we think is appropriate for then? And let's all just put our heads down and work hard with the regulations that we've got."

Addressing concerns about whether Honda's commitment to F1 has been shaken by the recent discussions around V10 engines, Cowell said, "I think Honda are very committed in terms of what they're working on. The level of effort that they're putting in in Sakura is huge. For all automotive companies, electrification is a very important aspect of propulsion systems. The 2026 regulations with greater propulsion from the MGU and greater energy per lap from the battery makes it more relevant to industries outside of F1. Their commitment and dedication to what's regulated at the moment is very strong."

As Formula 1 moves towards its electrified future, Cowell's emphasis on the benefits and relevance of hybrid technology will likely resonate with manufacturers and fans alike, ensuring that the sport remains both innovative and sustainable.

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