The Lost Alfa Romeo V10 – The Forgotten F1 Powerhouse That Never Raced

By the early 1990s, Formula 1 was evolving at a rapid pace. The sport had moved away from turbocharged monsters of the 1980s, and 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engines became the new regulation.

During this time, major manufacturers like Ferrari, Honda, Renault, and Ford were leading the F1 grid. Smaller engine suppliers struggled to keep up, and some manufacturers began exploring a return to the sport—including Alfa Romeo.

Alfa Romeo had a rich history in Formula 1, dating back to the very first season in 1950, when it won the first two World Championships with legendary driver Giuseppe Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio. However, the brand had faded from F1 over the years, supplying engines through the 80s before exiting the sport.

But in the early 1990s, Alfa Romeo had its sights set on a grand return. The company began developing a state-of-the-art Formula 1 engine to rival the best in the sport.

The Birth of the Alfa Romeo V1035 – A Forgotten Masterpiece

Developed under Alfa Corse, the racing division of Alfa Romeo, the V1035 was a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V10 engine, specifically designed for Formula 1.

Key Specifications of the Alfa Romeo V1035:

Engine Type: 3.5L Naturally Aspirated V10
Power Output: Over 600 horsepower
Configuration: 90-degree V10 layout
Redline: Over 13,000 RPM
Weight: Lightweight construction using exotic materials
Technology: Advanced fuel injection and ignition systems

This engine was developed with cutting-edge technology for the time. It used high-revving internals, lightweight materials, and a precision-engineered design to extract maximum performance.

If it had been raced, it could have been one of the best V10 engines of the era.

The Plan for Alfa Romeo’s F1 Return

With the V1035 engine, Alfa Romeo was looking for a way back into Formula 1. There were two main strategies the brand considered:

Returning as a Full-Works Team
Alfa Romeo could have partnered with a chassis manufacturer and entered Formula 1 as a factory-backed racing team, similar to Ferrari.
Becoming an Engine Supplier
Instead of developing a full car, Alfa could supply engines to an existing team, similar to how Honda supplied McLaren in the late 80s.

One of the strongest potential partnerships was with Ligier, an established F1 team looking for a competitive engine deal. Talks progressed, and there was real momentum behind the project.

However, despite the excitement, something changed—and Alfa’s F1 dream never materialized.

Why Did the Alfa Romeo V10 Never Race?

Despite the promising development of the V1035 engine, several key factors led to its downfall:

1. Corporate Politics at Fiat Group

At the time, Alfa Romeo was owned by Fiat, which also owned Ferrari. The conflict of interest between the two brands played a significant role in Alfa’s failed F1 return.

Ferrari did not want Alfa Romeo competing against them in Formula 1.
Fiat executives saw Ferrari as their priority, making Alfa’s comeback less of a focus.
As a result, Alfa’s F1 project was not given the financial backing it needed.

2. Financial Limitations

F1 is an expensive sport, and developing an engine from scratch is a massive investment.

Alfa Romeo faced budget constraints and could not fully develop the V1035 into a race-ready package.
Without a confirmed team deal, funding for the project was eventually cut.

3. Changes in F1 Regulations

By the mid-90s, Formula 1 was moving towards highly specialized V10 and V8 engines.

The competition was increasing, with Renault, Mercedes, and Ferrari pushing boundaries.
The Alfa V10, while promising, was not fully tested in a race environment, making it a risky investment for teams.

4. Ligier’s Switch to Renault

Ligier, the team most likely to use the Alfa Romeo V10, eventually secured a deal with Renault instead.

This left Alfa without a team, making their F1 return impossible.
Without an engine partner, the project was quietly shelved.

What Happened to the Alfa Romeo V1035?

With no place to race, the Alfa Romeo V10 engine was never officially used in Formula 1.

Only a few prototypes were built before the project was canceled.
Some test units still exist today in Alfa Romeo’s archives.
The engine is considered a rare collector’s item, showcasing a “what could have been” moment in F1 history.

Alfa Romeo would not return to Formula 1 as an engine supplier, but years later, it made a comeback as a sponsor and branding partner with Sauber F1 Team.

Could It Have Been a Great Engine?

While the Alfa Romeo V1035 never raced, there are reasons to believe it could have been competitive.

The 90-degree V10 layout was the standard configuration for the most successful F1 engines of the time.
Over 600 horsepower put it in the same range as Ferrari and Honda’s engines of the early 90s.
Alfa Romeo had a rich history in engine building, meaning the V1035 had serious potential.

Had the project been fully developed, Alfa Romeo might have been a major player in 90s Formula 1.