Lewis Hamilton has expressed his opinion on the possible return of the legendary V10 engine to Formula 1. The seven-time Formula 1 champion has given his assessment of the potential return of the V10 engine to the sport.
The FIA has confirmed that it is seriously considering the possibility of bringing back the iconic V10 engine, but in combination with fully sustainable fuels. The director of the FIA’s single-seater division, Nikolas Tombazis, explained this during the weekend of the Chinese Grand Prix.
“Advances in the development of sustainable fuels have led to the idea that engines could be simpler. The economic situation in the world also suggests that we should try to reduce costs further, and current powertrains are too expensive. That’s a fact.” “That’s why the FIA president mentioned the possibility of the V10 engine returning in 2028 and that’s something we’re currently evaluating together with the power unit manufacturers.”
The FIA’s announcement has caused a stir among fans and drivers alike. Current world champion Max Verstappen has already expressed his support for the idea, and now Hamilton has joined him. The British driver said during a media interview at the Shanghai track:
“It’s no secret that the V6 has never sounded great. I remember the first time I went to a Formula 1 race in 1996 at Spa, when Michael [Schumacher] was coming through the first corner. I was 12 or 13, and my whole sternum was shaking – I was completely blown away.”
“It was the most incredible sound I’ve ever heard, and over the years we’ve lost that. So if we can bring back those fantastic sounds while meeting all the sustainability goals, why not?”
“But it’s interesting how they switched from V10 to V6 engines claiming it was to cut costs, when in fact it cost a lot of money to make the V6 functional. The question is whether they are really more sustainable, given all the battery packs we’ve had to use over the years.”
“Maybe we should focus on sustainable fuels, which could be a better solution for the future.”
Although there has been much talk in the paddock about the return of V10 engines, their new use has yet to be confirmed. The 2026 rules, which stipulate a 50/50 ratio between internal combustion and electric power, remain in place.
