Vettel Stuns F1 World: Retired Champion Backs Controversial V10 Engine Comeback Amid Sustainability Push
Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has become a notable advocate for environmental causes since his retirement from the sport at the end of the 2022 season. Known for his passionate stance on reducing carbon emissions, Vettel’s post-F1 journey has been marked by his commitment to making a difference off the track. However, a recent shift in perspective has led him to express surprising support for a controversial proposal regarding the future of Formula 1’s engine regulations.
Formula 1, which has already embraced hybrid engines in recent years, is set to further increase the use of electrical power in its cars by 2026. This shift aims to make the sport more sustainable while maintaining the high-performance thrill that fans expect. However, many drivers have expressed concerns about how the new engines, which rely more heavily on electrical elements, might affect the racing. Some have tested early versions of these cars in simulators and have voiced worries that the changes could dampen the on-track excitement.
The debate took a sharp turn earlier this year when FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem raised the possibility of a return to the iconic V10 engines. The proposal, made during a visit to China, caught many by surprise and stirred up mixed reactions in the paddock. Although the sport is committed to introducing the new hybrid engines in 2026, discussions about a potential alternative engine formula have already started, with some speculating that a switch could take place as early as 2029.
What makes this situation even more intriguing is Vettel’s unexpected backing of the V10 engine idea. While many environmentalists and F1 purists have criticized the return of such a fuel-heavy engine, Vettel has offered a more nuanced opinion. In his view, the V10 engines could strike a balance between preserving the spectacle of the sport while also paving the way for future technological innovations. The former Red Bull Racing star has emphasized that any engine regulations must still keep the sport exciting and true to its racing roots, even if they present new challenges in terms of sustainability.
Vettel’s shift in stance is indicative of the ongoing evolution of Formula 1’s relationship with both technology and environmental responsibility. While the sport aims for a more sustainable future, it is also clear that the excitement of the race must remain at the forefront of any major changes. With the 2026 engine rules on the horizon and future discussions around V10 engines, Vettel’s opinion adds an intriguing layer to the debate about how the sport can evolve while still maintaining the thrill of high-speed racing.
