Max Verstappen has cast doubt on how seriously Formula 1 fans should take the latest rumors about the return of V10 engines to the grid.
Several key figures, including F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and team principals like Toto Wolff, Christian Horner, and Frederic Vasseur, have all discussed the idea recently. Even Lewis Hamilton has weighed in on the topic.
However, it was Ben Sulayem’s latest comments that intensified speculation. He suggested that the introduction of fully sustainable fuel in F1 could make the return of lightweight, loud, and fan-favorite V10 engines a realistic possibility by 2030.
“I think it’s a very nice idea,” quadruple world champion Verstappen told Viaplay at the weekend, “but the question is whether that’s possible.”
Formula 1 is set to further commit to its hybrid “power unit” era from 2026, introducing even heavier and more electrified engines than the current generation.
Max Verstappen, however, questions whether FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem may be speaking out of turn regarding the potential return of V10 engines.
“I think it’s better not to shout so many things, and that it’s better to solve these kinds of things behind the scenes,” said the Dutchman. “That’s better for everyone.”
Verstappen and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have been at odds for months, especially following the “swearing ban” that led to the Red Bull driver serving a day of community service in Rwanda last December.
In response, Verstappen jokingly suggested he might start swearing exclusively in Limburgish.
“Yes, I can do that” Verstappen laughed. “I already did it often enough back in karting.
“These are all very silly things that I really don’t want to deal with, but it is what it is.”
Damon Hill tells Lando Norris which ‘trap’ he can’t afford to fall for again against Max Verstappen
McLaren enter the new Formula 1 season as favorites to win both championships for the first time in decades.
Since Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 title win, the Woking-based team has struggled to meet expectations—until last year, when Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri secured a long-awaited championship at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Despite both drivers claiming their first Grand Prix victories in 2024, they were unable to overturn the early-season advantage built by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
However, McLaren appeared to have the fastest car in pre-season testing, and unless Red Bull was holding back significant performance in Bahrain, Verstappen could be starting at a disadvantage.
Norris won four races in 2024 but lost valuable points due to various incidents, including clashes with Verstappen in Austria, Austin, and Mexico City.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Damon Hill acknowledged Norris’ championship potential but cautioned him against falling into a mistake that could derail his title hopes.
Asked about Norris’ chance to win the title, Hill explained: “I still think he can beat Oscar.
“Oscar is brilliant, but Lando has pulled out a bit extra when needed. Oscar is talented but Lando is a force.
“I think he fell into the trap last year of thinking when going up against Max that he was racing against his mate.
“Actually, despite their friendship, he was taking on his worst enemy. And in Max’s mind when he is driving there is just Max.
“Lando blames himself when he makes mistakes. He is very hard on himself. He is not happy if he doesn’t think he has got 100 per cent out of his potential. It is a hallmark of a great driver. I also like his personality. It is very appealing.
“Because I live in Guildford, McLaren are my local team. I would like to see them do well, but not to be dominant. I would prefer it to be a hard fight, good for the fans.
“Formula 1 is so much more complex than when I was driving. It was relatively simple then.
“You would get radio messages occasionally. But often nobody had any idea of what to say to help.
“Now the information comes quick and fast. Lando is one of those drivers who can take in the information without missing a beat.”
