Lewis Hamilton backs V10 return to F1: “V6 has never sounded great”

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has given his verdict on the potential comeback of the V10 engine to the sport. 

The FIA has confirmed that it is seriously evaluating the possibility of bringing back the iconic V10 engine, paired with fully sustainable fuels. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis explained during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend:

“Certainly the progress with sustainable fuels has led to views that maybe the engines could be simpler. The world economy does lead to views that maybe we should try to cut costs a bit more, and the current power units are way too expensive. That is a fact.

“That’s why the president made the comments about a V10 engine in ’28 and so on. And that is something we are evaluating with the PU manufacturers.”

The comments from within the FIA have sparked plenty of excitement amongst fans and drivers. Reigning drivers’ champion Max Verstappen has confirmed his support for the idea and Hamilton has now also agreed with his Red Bull rival. While speaking to the media at the Shanghai International Circuit, the British driver commented:

“I mean, it is no secret that the V6 has never sounded great. I remember the first time I came to a Formula 1 race in 1996 at Spa and I remember Michael [Schumacher] coming through Turn 1, and I was 12 or 13, and my rib-cage was just vibrating and I was hooked.

“It was the most amazing that I’ve felt or heard before, and over the years, we’ve lost that. So if we’re able to move back to those amazing sounding engines and we’re still able to meet all the sustainable goals, then yeah, why not?

“But it is an interesting shift when they went from the V10s to the V6s where they said it was to cut costs, and it has cost so much money to make these V6s work, and whether they are actually more sustainable with all the battery packs we’ve had to use through the years. 

“Maybe we should focus on sustainable fuels which would be better moving forward.”

Despite the chatter from the paddock, the return of the V10 engine has not been confirmed at this stage. The 2026 regulations, which adopt a 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and electric power, are still set to go ahead.