Verstappen may stay in Formula 1 longer if FIA take this 'appealing' step
F1 News
Max Verstappen has often stated that he doesn’t want to race in Formula 1 forever. However, if V10 engines were to make a return to the sport, he would consider extending his career a little longer.
For Max Verstappen, the sound of a V10 engine is something he’s more familiar with than many Formula 1 fans. Growing up around the sport, he was surrounded by these engines, and according to him, their sound provided a much richer experience compared to today's hybrid engines.
Verstappen has always been open about his desire to eventually leave Formula 1. Once he’s no longer passionate about the sport, he wants to explore other racing categories. One of the series that appeals to him is the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Will V10 engines keep Verstappen in Formula 1?
Still, changes to the sport's regulations could possibly convince it to stay in F1 longer. ''Maybe yes. In any case, it is much more appealing than what we have now,'' Verstappen said, according to motorsport.com in Shanghai, about the potential new engines.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is a big supporter of bringing the V10 engines back to Formula 1. He recently expressed his enthusiasm on social media, stating that he would love to hear the iconic sound of the V10s once again in the sport. However, he emphasized that the reintroduction of these engines would need to be supported by renewable fuel to ensure sustainability and align with Formula 1's environmental goals.
How serious FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's plans are remains uncertain. A new engine regulation is set to take effect in 2026, and manufacturers have already invested significant time and resources into developing these new power units.
It's unlikely that all those investments will be discarded in the short term to design a completely new engine, especially given the long-term commitments involved in the current engine regulations. Therefore, while Ben Sulayem's enthusiasm for the V10 engines is clear, it remains to be seen how practical or feasible such a shift would be.
Max Verstappen finished second in the first race of the 2025 season in Australia. Last year, the four-time world champion won the Chinese Grand Prix for the first time and will be hoping to repeat that success this weekend.
This article was written in collaboration with Tim Kraaj