Verstappen agrees with FIA president on V10s returning to F1 – but negotiations must be private

Max Verstappen has agreed with the FIA president that V10 engines ought to return to System 1, however believes the negotiations should be held behind closed doorways.

In February, Mohammed Ben Sulayem acknowledged on social media that he would love to see F1 consider switching back to V10s and that the facility unit must be run on sustainable fuels.

The engine configuration has not been in F1 since 2005 and, though its return can be extensively well-liked amongst followers, Verstappen disapproves of the president making his feedback in public.

PLUS: Why suggestions that F1 should return to V10 engines simply won’t work

“After all I believe it is a very good thought,” the four-time world champion stated, when requested concerning the thought by Autosport, “however whether or not it is doable or not, that is clearly a totally completely different story.

“I at all times suppose it is higher to not simply shout so many issues. It is higher to attempt to clear up issues behind the scenes – that might be higher for everybody.”

Ben Sulayem made his feedback within the wake of F175, the season launch occasion the place every staff revealed its new-for-2025 livery in entrance of a reside viewers in London.

The FIA president acknowledged that it “triggered numerous optimistic discussions on the way forward for the game”, prompting him to ponder the return of V10s for the subsequent set of engine laws past the one coming in 2026.

“Whereas we stay up for the introduction of the 2026 laws on chassis and energy unit, we should additionally prepared the ground on future technological motorsport traits,” Ben Sulayem added.

“We should always think about a spread of instructions together with the roaring sound of the V10 operating on sustainable gasoline. Whichever path is chosen, we should assist the groups and producers in making certain price management on R&D expenditure.”

The technical laws are being overhauled for the 2026 season, with vehicles being powered by a V6 hybrid operating on absolutely artificial gasoline, which can make its sequence debut.

This drew extra engine producers into the championship, as Audi is debuting as a works staff in 2026 whereas Cadillac is initially becoming a member of as a Ferrari buyer outfit with the intention of growing its personal energy unit for 2028.

Subsequent 12 months additionally marks a brand new period for Pink Bull, which can type a technical partnership with Ford and Christian Horner agreed with Ben Sulayem that F1 ought to think about the potential of V10s returning.

Verstappen was additionally requested concerning the FIA’s current clampdown on swearing amid strategies that he may begin swearing in his native Limburgian dialect.

“I used to try this loads of occasions throughout karting anyway!” stated Verstappen.

“However yeah, these items are simply very foolish. You do not even wish to take care of issues like that, however it’s what it’s.”