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Why was V10 removed from F1?

The V10 engine configuration was a prominent feature in Formula 1 (F1) racing for many years, but it was eventually phased out and replaced by other engine designs. The primary reason for the removal of the V10 engine from F1 was a shift towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly powertrains.


The Rise and Fall of the V10 Engine in F1


The V10 engine, with its distinctive high-revving sound and impressive power output, was a staple in F1 racing from the early 1990s to the mid-2000s. These engines were known for their exceptional performance, capable of producing over 800 horsepower and reaching engine speeds of up to 20,000 RPM.


However, as concerns about fuel efficiency and environmental impact grew in the early 2000s, the F1 governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), began to reevaluate the use of these high-powered engines. The FIA recognized the need to move towards more sustainable and efficient powertrains, leading to the gradual phasing out of the V10 engine in favor of smaller, turbocharged V8 and eventually V6 hybrid engines.


The Shift to Hybrid Engines


The transition from V10 to hybrid engines in F1 was a significant change that aimed to align the sport with broader environmental concerns and technological advancements in the automotive industry. The introduction of the V6 hybrid engines in 2014 marked a major shift in F1 engineering, as these powertrains combined a smaller, turbocharged internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery system.



  • The V6 hybrid engines were designed to be more fuel-efficient, reducing the overall fuel consumption and emissions of F1 cars.

  • The addition of the electric motor and battery system also provided a boost in power and performance, helping to maintain the excitement and spectacle of F1 racing.

  • The hybrid technology also allowed for the development of advanced energy recovery systems, further improving the efficiency and sustainability of the sport.


The transition to hybrid engines was not without its challenges, as teams and manufacturers had to adapt to the new technology and find ways to optimize its performance. However, the move towards more sustainable and efficient powertrains has been widely accepted as a necessary step for the future of F1 racing.


The Legacy of the V10 Engine


While the V10 engine is no longer used in F1, it remains an iconic and beloved part of the sport's history. The high-revving, powerful sound of the V10 engines is still fondly remembered by many fans, and the engineering feats required to develop these engines continue to be admired by motorsport enthusiasts.


The legacy of the V10 engine in F1 serves as a reminder of the sport's constant evolution and the need to adapt to changing technological and environmental demands. As F1 continues to push the boundaries of performance and sustainability, the lessons learned from the V10 era will undoubtedly inform and inspire future advancements in motorsport engineering.

Why did F1 ban V12?


Final FIA V12 Engines Ban
F1 engineers had universally agreed that the compact V10 architecture simply offered better packaging and efficiency compared to the larger, heavier V12 layout.



Why were V8 engines banned in F1?


Environmental Impact of V8 Engines. The high-revving, non-turbocharged V8s were Formula 1's first move towards addressing environmental concerns over emissions. However, environmental groups pointed out these gas-guzzling engines still employed old, inefficient technologies lagging behind road car standards.



Why were turbos banned in F1?


The FIA banned turbocharged engines from F1 after the 1988 season due to safety concerns, the unpredictable power surges known as "turbo lag," and the competitive imbalance caused by turbo technology's high costs and complexity.



Has there ever been a V-14 engine?


MAN V14 engines have been installed on cruise ships such as the Explorer Dream and Norwegian Spirit, both of which have 14V48/60 engines producing 14,700 kW (19,700 hp) each, and on some cargo vessels. However, other major manufacturers do not normally offer medium-speed engines in the V14 configuration.



What was the last car with V10?


The last two production cars to still offer a V-10 are the Audi R8, which officially ended production earlier this year, and the Lamborghini Huracán, whose production is set to end sometime soon.



Why did F1 stop V10 engines?


They stopped the V10/V8's's to attract new manufacturers to the sport in 2014. They thought car manufacturers would want to come into F1 for research purposes using V6'S and turbo's. It was a not entirely successful as they were too focused on pleasing the business side and forgot it was a sport first.



Why was the V10 discontinued?


Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini's Chief Technical Officer, explained in an interview with Top Gear magazine why the V-10 is dead. Had the odd-firing engine stuck around, output would've had to decrease by a massive 20% to keep up with increasingly stringent regulations.



Will F1 bring back V12?


Domenicali, in conversation with Australian radio station 3AW, indicated that though the deafening roars of the V10 and V12 engines will not return, the new regulatory cycle will certainly amplify the car's sound. Domenicali explained, as quoted by Motorsportweek.com: “We need to have a different sound.



Will Formula 1 go back to V8?


And power unit regulations for 2026. Almost complete the spotlight is on what's next domenicarley suggested that a radical change might be on the way. Including abandoning the current hybrid concept.



Will V10 ever come back to F1?


The soonest F1 could revert to V10s would be in 2030 and there is growing support for a naturally-aspirated engine. Posting on social media last week, Ben Sulayem said: “This week's F1 launch in London has triggered a lot of positive discussion on the future of the sport.


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.