The distinctive howl of V10 engines could soon echo through Formula 1 again.
Praising enhanced safety as the most significant advancement in the sport's recent past, Fernando Alonso over the weekend expressed regret over certain regressions since his 2001 debut.
"We've got heavier cars, we've got cars that don't have the characteristic sound any more, we've got slightly more predictable racing, we don't have the refuelling, we don't have those pitstops that used to be a bit of a challenge," said the 43-year-old.
"When it rains the cars are too big, tyres are too big, there's no visibility at all. So let's try to maintain safety but go back to lighter cars, to cars that sound good, that entertain the public."
Intriguingly, back in mid-2024, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali suggested that sustainable fuels might pave the way for the sport to rethink its reliance on today's 'hybrid' power units starting in 2030.
"It is a personal consideration of mine, not yet shared with the teams, even if we have spoken about it with the FIA, that if sustainable fuels work, we will need to carefully evaluate whether to continue with hybrid or whether better solutions will be available," he said.
"All drivers would like to have lighter cars, and personally I would also like a slightly larger sound. From the research we are carrying out, it emerges that all markets, and all age groups, want a better sound as well as the energy and vibrations that only a certain type (of engine) is capable of transmitting when you are close to the track."
Though Formula 1 and its governing body, the FIA, often find themselves at odds recently, it appears Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem share common ground on the prospect of V10s.
FIA president Ben Sulayem noted that "a lot of positive conversation" has been occurring behind closed doors in recent days.
"While we look forward to the introduction of (new) chassis and power unit regulations in 2026, we must also lead the way in the technological trends of future motorsport," he added.
"We should consider various options, including the roar of a V10 running on sustainable fuel. Whatever direction we choose, we must ensure that we help the teams and manufacturers to keep development costs under control."
