Fernando Alonso reacts to possible return of V10 engines: “I love them, but the world has changed”. The possible return of V10 engines was discussed in the Shanghai paddock.

A major comeback?
Since the 2006 season, Formula 1 decided to abandon V10 engines in an attempt to curb the ever-increasing performance of power units in previous years. In recent weeks, there has been growing talk of their possible return to the sport, potentially powered by sustainable fuels, within a few years.

Drivers’ opinions
Fernando Alonso is the only driver on the current grid to have raced in Formula 1 (and won a championship) with a V10 engine: “I love the sound of the V10 and V8 era, but the world has changed, and we now have an incredible power unit that uses a third of the fuel from back then. This decision is up to the leadership, FOM, and the FIA. We drivers want the fastest cars possible, regardless of the engine, but we can’t ignore the times we live in, the hybrid era, and the efficiency of these cars,” the Spanish champion explained, expressing some doubts.

Lewis Hamilton was more positive, sharing his perspective: “It’s no secret that the V6 never had a great sound. I remember the first time I went to an F1 race at Spa in 1996—I saw Michael go through Turns 1, 11, 12, and 13, and my chest was shaking. It was the most incredible thing I had ever heard. If we can go back to those amazing-sounding engines while maintaining sustainability by focusing on sustainable fuels, why not?” – the Aston Martin driver concluded at the end of the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

The debate is open.