Zak Brown pinpoints ‘genie back in bottle’ problem over F1 V10s debate

McLaren CEO Zak Brown raised concerns over rumors of Formula 1 bringing back fan-favorite V10 engines as early as 2029.

Zak Brown pinpoints ‘genie back in bottle’ problem over F1 V10s debate

Zak Brown, image via IMAGO

Formula 1 is set to introduce new power units in 2026. The latest regulation shake-up will focus more on the electrical components while retaining the V6s. However, a debate has ensued within the paddock for cutting the lifetime of the new power units even before its debut next year. Now, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has addressed the elephant in the room over such speculation.

In the last few weeks, many figures in the F1 paddock has vouched support to bring back fan-favorite V10s on the grid. These internal combustion engines would run on sustainable fuels minimizing carbon footprint while retaining the much-wanted sound and character of classic F1 engines. Even Lewis Hamilton has expressed his support for such an idea.

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However, one bottleneck over this proposal is that some teams want V10s to be used as early as 2029, making the upcoming power units last only for three seasons, two less than the initially planned five. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has already stated this could disbalance the financial calculations made by manufacturers including new entrants Audi.

Zak Brown resonated with Wolff’s point. The McLaren CEO was supportive of having V10s on the grid. However, he pointed out that it would be difficult for F1 to bring such a massive overhaul straightaway considering the upcoming regulation changes with the 2026 power units.

I don’t really see how you can unwind what’s in place, really because of all the different power unit changes that are happening right now.

Zak Brown said, as reported by RacingNews365

Moreover, Brown highlighted that there have been changes on the grid in anticipation for the new rules. Volkswagen is entering the sport with Audi, while Renault’s works team Alpine will become a customer Mercedes squad from next year. Additionally, Red Bull is building its own power units with Ford, while Honda reenters with Aston Martin. As such, Zak Brown insisted that it would be really difficult for the sport to put the 2026 power units genie back in the bottle.

Audi’s coming in, Alpine’s going to Mercedes for an engine, and logistically, I’m not sure how you put the genie back in the bottle.

Zak Brown added

McLaren happy with Mercedes power units

McLaren returned to Mercedes for a power units supply in 2021 after a gap of seven seasons. Previously, the Woking-based squad was the de-facto works team for the German carmaker in Formula 1 till 2009. Though, McLaren continued using Mercedes engines till 2014. During the period as the works team for the Silver Arrows, the British squad achieved immense success including Lewis Hamilton’s maiden title.

Zak Brown and Toto Wolff (via Planetf1)
Zak Brown and Toto Wolff (via Planetf1)

Since 2021, McLaren has been on the rise in Formula 1. The British squad bagged its first constructors’ triumph since 1998 last year while Lando Norris finished second in the standings. The Woking-based squad continues to have faith in the Silver Arrows and extended its partnership for the upcoming regulations.

Zak Brown insisted that his squad was very happy with Mercedes’ power units division. He made it clear that the German manufacturer will be ready to go by the time the new rules kick-in, ensuring that McLaren does not face any difficulties during the new era.

We’re with [Mercedes] HPP, we’re very happy. They’re ready to go – or will be ready to go, and so that wouldn’t impact us.

Zak Brown stated

However, Brown was confused over the chatter about bringing V10s before 2031. The McLaren boss insisted that it was a ‘head-scratcher’ as it made it difficult to understand how Formula 1 will manage the timeline to fit such a plan.

But it is a bit of a head-scratcher of how you would put that in place if you did want to make a change.

Zak Brown explained

Nevertheless, Zak Brown is currently satisfied with McLaren’s set-up with Mercedes. Despite the rumors of V10s being brought back to the sport, Formula 1 has not made any official comments over such a possibility just yet. It is likely that all stakeholders will discuss the ideal timeframe for such a drastic overhaul before conforming to a strict year for the change.