Max Verstappen open to extended F1 career with return to V10 engines

Dominika Jordan
Mar 21, 2025, 05:59 AM ET

Verstappen open to longer F1 stint if V10s return; Hamilton recalls engine era.

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen hinted that a return to V10 engines powered by sustainable fuels could entice him to race in F1 longer. The Dutch driver expressed this sentiment ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton sharing similar views.

Since 2014, F1 cars have been powered by 1.6-liter V6 turbo hybrid engines, with regulations set to last until 2030. However, the sport’s governing body has recently hinted at the possibility of bringing back the louder, high-revving V10s after 2030.

"Maybe. It's definitely more exciting than what we have now," said Verstappen, a four-time world champion. "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, you have the noise of the engines, it brings so much more."

Verstappen, 27, has previously voiced concerns about the sport's direction and his role within it. Following a penalty in 2024, he described it as "super-silly" and mentioned that such decisions could impact his future in F1.

Lewis Hamilton, who started in F1 in 2007, a year after the switch to V8 engines, also expressed his appreciation for V10 engines. "There's no secret that a V6 has never sounded great," the 40-year-old Briton said. He recalled his first time in F1, saying, "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."

Hamilton concluded, "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?"