New Delhi: Aston Martin CEO and team boss Andy Cowell feels Formula 1 should focus on promoting the hybrid powertrains it plans to use over the next five years rather than switching to V10 engines. The FIA confirmed during the Chinese Grand Prix that they would be assessing for a switch to V10s as early as 2028 or 2029.
This follows after the president of the governing body, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, spoke on the chance of simplifying F1’s engine formula earlier this year. The plan would still include the sustainable fuels set to be introduced next year in order to cut costs. However, it comes after manufacturers have spent a fortune developing new hybrid engines for the coming year.
The power units for 2026 were already signed off in 2022 and would be split between electric power and power from a V6 turbo, making it much more efficient than the current turbo-hybrids. Aston Martin is set to make a switch to Honda power next year after an increase in electrification in the 2026 regulations. In fact this has been a key reason for Honda’s decision to stay in F1.
Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Cowell was asked about the “old” V10s. He felt that everyone was working towards 2026, and all teams were in a tough phase when it came to developing. He felt that every team had an example of the “power unit, transmissions and aero concepts”. He felt that the approach from every team needs to be of being positive and looking ahead.
Cowell, who assumed the role of team principal ahead of the start of the season, felt that there was a need for a discussion on sustainable fuels, the “battery being more relevant to other industries”. He further noted that a 350-kilowatt electric machine would go miles in terms of efficiency.
Andy Cowell is the grid’s newest Team Principal, taking over from Mike Krack ahead of this season 🔄
Cowell was previously Managing Director at Mercedes High Performance Powertrains#F1 pic.twitter.com/lnk8kGCvfq
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 4, 2025
Further he noted that “The start weight from a fuel perspective is lower, and also talk about the straight-line mode, which is 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.”
What FIA think about V10 engines?
The 2026 hybrid engine regulations are at the moment scheduled to remain until the end of 2030. The FIA in China mentioned that any change to this plan, including the introduction of V10s in 2028 or 2029, would be done after existing power unit manufacturers and teams are thoroughly consulted. Cowell believes that the regulations of 2026 will actually remain until 2030, and the plans from there on would be a lengthy window before the changes are implemented.
Cowell felt that in a year or a year and a half, discussions should be underway for 2031 as the powertrains take time to be developed. For Honda, he felt that the Japanese car manufacturer was “committed” to the job in hand. He further noted that electrification remains an important part of propulsion for every manufacturer.
Ahead of the Japanese GP, Aston Martin team principal, Andy Cowell feels that F1 should focus on the hybrid powertrains set to be used for five years instead of V10 engines, following FIA’s interest in the latter. Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
