While Formula 1 is already thinking about its future engine revolution for 2030, Red Bull has clearly stated its position. And the idea of a return to V8 or V10 engines strongly appeals to the Austrian team.
Read more Masterful double win for BMW Hypercar in WEC at the 6 Hours of Spa: at the end of the suspense!
Hardly has the new generation of 2026 engines hit the track than discussions about the future of the discipline are already intensifying. For several weeks, the idea of a gradual abandonment of the current hybrid units in favor of naturally aspirated engines has been gaining ground in the paddock.
The FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, recently confirmed that Formula 1 is seriously studying a return to naturally aspirated V8 or V10 engines from 2030 or 2031, while maintaining some electrification through batteries.
A prospect that naturally divides engine manufacturers. Mercedes, ultra-dominant since the introduction of hybrid engines in 2014, has already opened the door to this possible transition. And now, Red Bull Powertrains also shows a certain enthusiasm for this idea.
Red Bull ready to take on a new challenge
Asked about this possible technical revolution, Laurent Mekies explained that Red Bull sees no problem in moving towards a new engine philosophy.
“At Red Bull Powertrains, we are quite open to this” confided the Frenchman.
For Mekies, the Milton Keynes manufacturer has already demonstrated its ability to take on a huge challenge by developing its very first internal power unit for the 2026 season.
“We started from scratch with this engine and, honestly, the starting point is quite good” he explains.
Even though Red Bull still acknowledges a slight deficit compared to Mercedes in terms of pure power, the team believes it has already done an impressive job in a very short time.
Read more Kimi Antonelli already under pressure: Montoya issues a warning to Mercedes
“We are still a bit short on engine performance compared to Mercedes, but the engineers have done a phenomenal job to allow us to be in the fight.”
In this context, a new regulatory change almost appears as an additional opportunity for Red Bull.
“We are very enthusiastic about the idea of a new challenge. We are probably more flexible and independent than other manufacturers.”
Ford already ready for the return of the V8?
Red Bull’s future engine project is also technically supported by Ford from 2026. And precisely, the American manufacturer already has solid experience with V8 engines thanks to its famous Mustang.
Laurent Mekies could not resist a little joke on the subject.
“There is already a V8 in the Ford Mustang that I am lucky to drive every day to Milton Keynes, so maybe we are already a bit ahead” he smiled.
This statement mainly illustrates the current mindset at Red Bull: unlike some historic engine manufacturers, the team does not seem to fear a new technical revolution.
The debate about the future F1 engine is now likely to gain even more momentum in the coming months. Between the cost of hybrid technologies, the sound spectacle demanded by fans, and the desire to simplify power units, the return of V8 or V10 engines could quickly become one of the major topics in the paddock.
Read more Charles Leclerc surprised by a historic statistic at Ferrari: «It’s strange»