The FIA has confirmed that discreet discussions are underway regarding a possible revival of V10 engines in Formula 1.
Recent days have seen whispers that the divisive 2026 engine rules might be abandoned in favour of naturally-aspirated V10s using sustainable fuel by 2028.
In response, Audi released a statement—short on specifics but firm in tone—implying that the Volkswagen-owned manufacturer only acquired Sauber due to the electrification-heavy 2026 framework.
Team driver Nico Hulkenberg reinforced that position in Shanghai, stating: "The regulations for 2026 are set in stone."
Amid the mixed signals, Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA's single-seater director, acknowledged that "preliminary negotiations" are happening, though he stressed there's "no rush."
"We are proud to have brought Audi into this sport and we don't want them to change their mind," he added. "We are proud to have made Honda reconsider their decision to leave and come back, but now we are trying to find a compromise that suits everyone, taking into account the current realities.
"There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so we are trying to find a middle ground."
Critics warn that the 2026 rules, as they stand, could compromise racing quality, while others highlight the escalating costs of pushing deeper into the hybrid era.
"In 2020-2021, when the regulations were discussed, the trend towards electric propulsion was obvious," Tombazis explained. "Since then, the views of the participants have changed, and even if Formula 1 is now in a very good financial position, it is important for us to protect it from further fluctuations in the global economy.
"But we are not trying to do anything unilaterally. Rather, we want to take into account the interests of all participants."
