A recent debate over the future of Formula 1’s power units has reignited nostalgia for one of the sport’s most iconic eras—the V-10 engine. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem suggested that F1 should consider returning to V-10 power, especially with the sport moving towards 100% synthetic fuels in 2026. While a shift back to naturally aspirated engines remains unlikely, a legendary Ferrari F1 car recently took to the track, offering a powerful reminder of the visceral experience those engines delivered.
The Ferrari F310B, once piloted by Michael Schumacher during the 1997 Formula 1 season, was recently seen in action at the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands. This car, powered by a 3.0-liter V-10 engine, produced over 750 horsepower at an ear-piercing 16,000 rpm, marking one of the most thrilling periods in F1 history. Unlike many vintage race cars that end up in museums or private collections, this Ferrari is still being driven hard on track.
The car’s current owner, Erich Zech, an 80-year-old enthusiast, competes with it in the BOSS GP championship, a series dedicated to vintage open-wheel race cars. Captured on video by the ALwinSV YouTube channel, the footage showcases the sheer brutality of the Ferrari’s V-10 engine, delivering the kind of high-pitched wail that modern turbo-hybrid engines cannot replicate.
While the prospect of Formula 1 returning to V-10 engines remains distant, this car’s presence on the track serves as a testament to an era when F1 cars delivered an unmatched auditory spectacle. As fans continue to debate the future of engine regulations, machines like Schumacher’s Ferrari F310B keep the spirit of the past alive—offering a visceral experience that modern racing technology struggles to match.
