Max Verstappen proposed a straightforward solution to some of the problems he sees in the current Formula 1 rules: the return of V8 engines. The four-time world champion believes the change could improve several aspects of the cars and the battles on track.
Critical of the regulations and the 2026 power units throughout the season, Verstappen argued for a simpler and lighter setup. In an interview on the YouTube channel P1 with Matt & Tommy, the Red Bull Racing driver stated that a V8 engine would also allow rethinking how overtakes are executed.
“Now, switch the engine back to a V8. That solves a lot of things,” Verstappen asserted. For him, the main advantage would lie in the behavior of the cars: “A true V8 is much better in all scenarios. In terms of handling, it’s lighter and a lot more fun to drive.”
The Dutchman did not completely rule out the use of electric energy. The idea would be to adopt a small battery capable of delivering a momentary power gain to facilitate overtakes, eliminating the need for DRS-type systems. Verstappen considers it important that this feature merely helps to create the opportunity, without replacing the driver’s skill during the maneuver.
“A small increase in power, something strong enough to generate an overtaking opportunity, but at the end of the straight, make you have to attempt the maneuver on the brakes,” he added. He also noted that the current operation can depend on the state of the battery and that the wing opening, in certain situations, had been too powerful.
In his ideal scenario, Verstappen admitted that he would prefer a V8 or even a V10, although he acknowledges that the V8 would be the most likely alternative today. The advocacy came after another recent critique of the sport, linked to the Bahrain Grand Prix start delay in Malaysia due to a widespread software problem: “I hope a lesson has been learned,” the Dutch driver concluded after the episode.
