Lewis Hamilton hopes that the FIA and Formula 1 will genuinely consider returning to larger engines in the future. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently suggested that V10 engines could make a comeback through the use of sustainable fuels, and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also expressed positivity towards such plans. Hamilton, like many motorsport fans, yearns for the roar of large, atmospheric engines.
“As we look forward to the introduction of the 2026 regulations, which pertain to the chassis and power unit, we must also take the lead in future technological motorsport trends,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently wrote on social media. In 2026, Formula 1 will transition to a powertrain that relies even more heavily on electric support. “We need to consider different directions,” the Emirati continued. “This includes looking at the roaring sound of a V10 engine running on sustainable fuel.”
V10 or V12?
Lewis Hamilton encourages these developments. Despite winning the majority of his titles with a hybrid V6 power unit, he longs for the sound and experience of larger engines. “I hope that in twenty years we still have great races and cars that sound good,” the Brit said during a Ferrari event in Milan. “I especially hope that the championship will not be fully electric in the future. Let’s go back to V10 or V12 engines that do not emit pollutants,” Hamilton concluded.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was more skeptical. “We’re drowning out our current message if we start talking about a much later stage one year before the new regulations,” the Austrian emphasized. Max Verstappen also takes Ben Sulayem’s statements with a grain of salt. “Of course, I think that’s a very nice idea, but first it needs to be checked whether such a thing is even possible,” he told Viaplay. “I think it’s better not to make so many claims. It’s better to discuss these kinds of things behind the scenes.”
