Formula 1 is trying to keep the sport entertaining while making it environmentally friendly. The aim is to make the sport have a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030. In an attempt to appeal to fans, F1 are considering bringing back the iconic V10 engines, which use sustainable fuels. This is a move backed by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton is a strong advocate for making F1 more environmentally sustainable. However, the Brit does realise that fans are just as important. Bringing back the screaming engines which fans loved sustainably would be a good way to marry the two together.
Lewis Hamilton wants to see V10 engines back in F1
V10 engines haven’t been seen in Formula 1 since the end of the 2005 season. These engines were lightweight and powerful and were a fan favourite for the sound they produced. If they can be used with sustainable fuels, there is a high chance F1 would move away from the use of hybrid engines and look to implement the V10s again.
Lewis Hamilton is all for the return of the V10s as he hopes F1 cars will sound good again. Speaking at a Ferrari event in Milan, the 40-year-old said: “I hope that in 20 years we’ll have great races and we’ll have cars that sound good. I certainly hope it’s not completely electric, but sustainable with V10 or V12 engines, with a zero carbon footprint or something like that.”
The current hybrid engines have come under much scrutiny from fans since their era began in 2014. The negativity towards them is generally due to the sound or the lack thereof, something the V10 engine had in abundance. However, going into a new regulation cycle from 2026 means the V10 engines won’t be introduced until 2030 at the earliest.
FIA president considering V10s to return
V10 engines are very popular among all motorsport enthusiasts. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has already outlined they are being considered for the future. However, now the FIA has established a task force to explore how they can bring the iconic engines back to F1.
FIA President Says F1 Should Bring Back Fan Favourite V10 Engines
The FIA also has the backing of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who said: “I think the purist in me would love to go back to a V10 that was done responsibly, with sustainable fuel.”
Not only are V10 engines popular with fans, but they will be better for the teams to. With the current hybrid powertrains, the heaviest part of the car, the V10s are much lighter. This will allow teams leeway to work on other important car parts.
A return to V10 engines would be great for the sport. It would keep fans and teams happy while keeping F1 on an environmental path. But would you like to see V10 engines return? Let us know by commenting below.
