The FIA’s recent controversial stance on driver language had led the Dutch champion to consider an early retirement from F1. Now, the sport has an opportunity to postpone Verstappen’s departure from the paddock, as the 27-year-old from Hasselt has welcomed the idea of Formula 1 returning to V10 engines.
Recent reports suggest that teams are discussing a possible return to V10 engines. The introduction of sustainable fuels opens the door to power units without hybrid components, and the FIA has reportedly formed a working group to assess the feasibility of this change.
Some teams, such as Ferrari and Red Bull, have already expressed their support for a V10 comeback, and Mercedes also appears to be interested.
The biggest enthusiasts for the return of the powerful V10 sound would undoubtedly be the drivers. Among them is Max Verstappen, who has frequently criticized the FIA, especially in recent times. The reigning world champion even went so far as to threaten an early exit from F1, given the direction the sport has taken.
Max Verstappen in favor of bringing V10 engines back to Formula 1
A potential return of V10 engines could, however, make Max Verstappen reconsider his plans. “Would bringing back V10 engines extend my time in F1? Who knows, maybe yes,” Verstappen admitted ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.
For the 1997-born driver, a change in power units would benefit the sport: “They would undoubtedly be much more exciting than what we have now,” the four-time world champion explained. “I don’t have the power to change the regulations, but obviously, a V10 engine would be far better for the excitement of this sport compared to the stuff we have today.”
Then, he reminisced about his childhood alongside his father, Jos: “The roar of those engines when I was a kid gave you so much more, even if the car’s speed was maybe a bit lower than today. The sensations those engines provided are indescribable compared to the current power units.”
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