A return of the V10 could 'perhaps' convince Verstappen to stay longer in F1

The possibility of a return of V10 engines in F1 is stirring up the paddock. For several days now, rumors have been intensifying about the possible return of V10s in the medium term and information published by our colleagues at AMuS, Wednesday, caused general excitement among the players in the discipline. According to the German media, the FIA ​​is considering the return of V10s (sustainable fuel) to Formula 1 as early as 2028, by abandoning the new technical regulations planned for 2026 and extending the lifespan of current power units. Nothing official yet, but this simple idea continues to be talked about in the aisles of the Shanghai circuit this weekend.

Obviously, the drivers were the first to be asked about the potential arrival of V10 engines in 2028. If Fernando Alonso, the only driver to have experienced the V10 era on the grid, was rather sceptical about this idea, others were more enthusiastic, like Max Verstappen. While the Dutchman experienced the thrills of a V10 through his father Jos's career as an F1 driver between 1994 and 2003, the four-time world champion hopes one day to have the chance to drive a V1-powered F10 car. Even if it means postponing his "sporting retirement" from F1, which he plans to retire in 2028 at the end of his contract with Red Bull ?

"Maybe. It's definitely more exciting than what we have now, answers Max VerstappenI'm not in charge of the rules, but, of course, 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 I was walking around, we had the sound of the engines, it brings so much more. Even if the speed of the car was maybe slower, the feeling you get from an engine like that is something indescribable compared to what we have today.

Hamilton echoes Verstappen: " The V6 never sounded great.

Max Verstappen has always been clear about his future in Formula 1: for several years, the Dutchman said he does not see himself racing in the discipline beyond 2028, his final year of contract with Red Bull. Annoyed by an increasingly busy schedule and by the FIA's policy of controlling – even censoring – drivers, keen to discover other disciplines (GT3, Hypercar, etc.), the Dutchman never wanted to stay in F1 for long... unless the introduction of V10s in 2028 changes his mind.

The Red Bull driver is not the only one calling for a return to V10s: Lewis Hamilton would also like to see this engine return in order to restore color to F1. “It’s no secret that the V6 never sounded great, said the 40-year-old Briton, who will probably not see the return of the V10s if it does not happen before 2028.. I remember the first time I came to Formula 1, in 1996 at Spa. When Michael (Schumacher) came into Turn 1, my ribcage vibrated. If we can go back to these amazing-sounding engines and we can still meet the sustainability targets, then why not?

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