Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton Advocate for a Return to V10 Engines in Formula 1

Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has hinted that a return to V10 engines, powered by sustainable fuels, could persuade him to extend his tenure in the sport beyond 2030. This sentiment is shared by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who joined Verstappen in reminiscing about the thrilling era of V10 engines.

Since 2014, Formula 1 cars have been equipped with 1.6 litre V6 turbo hybrid engines, with new regulations set to take effect from next year until 2030. However, the president of the sport's governing body recently suggested the possibility of reverting to the louder, high-revving V10 engines post-2030.

When questioned about the potential allure of V10 engines, Verstappen remarked, "Maybe. It's definitely more exciting than what we have now." He further elaborated, "I'm not in charge of the rules, but for the pure emotion of the sport, a V10 is definitely much better than what we have now. I remember when I was a kid, when you walk around, you have the noise of the engines, it brings so much more. Even if the speed of the car was maybe slower, just the feeling you got from an engine like that is something that you can't describe compared with what we have now."

Verstappen has occasionally expressed his concerns about the sport's trajectory and his place within it. For instance, when he was penalized for using inappropriate language at a 2024 press conference, he labeled the penalty as "super-silly" and indicated that such decisions might prompt him to leave Formula 1 earlier than anticipated.

Hamilton, who debuted in Formula 1 in 2007, a year after the sport transitioned to V8 engines, also voiced his appreciation for the V10 engines. "There's no secret that a V6 has never sounded great," the 40-year-old Brit stated. He reminisced, "I remember the first time I came to Formula 1 in 1996 at Spa. I was driving and Michael [Schumacher] coming through Turn 1, and my ribcage just vibrated. If we're able to move back to those amazing sounding engines and sustainability, if we're still able to meet the sustainable goals, why not?"

The debate over engine specifications continues to be a pivotal topic in Formula 1, as the sport seeks to balance performance, sustainability, and the exhilarating experience for fans and drivers alike.