- Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen advocated for ditching heavy V6 turbo-hybrid engines in favor of naturally aspirated V8s.
- Verstappen proposed replacing the Drag Reduction System (DRS) with an IndyCar-style manual “push to pass” battery boost to encourage real wheel-to-wheel battles under braking.
- The Red Bull Racing driver emphasized that a lighter V8 powertrain would solve major drivability and car weight issues currently plaguing modern grand prix racing.
Max Verstappen Calls for the Return of Naturally Aspirated V8 Power Units
Formula 1 is preparing to introduce sweeping power unit regulations for 2026 designed around sustainable fuels and a 50/50 power distribution split between internal combustion engines and electric battery output. However, reigning four-time World Champion Max Verstappen believes the sport’s technical direction is missing the mark. Speaking during an appearance on the P1 with Matt & Tommy podcast, the Red Bull Racing driver was asked what single rule he would alter in the championship if given absolute control. Rather than tweaking aerodynamic restrictions or sporting formats, Verstappen immediately aimed his critique at the sport’s hybrid powertrains.
Formula 1 transitioned away from naturally aspirated V8 engines at the conclusion of the 2013 season, ushering in the complex V6 turbo-hybrid era in 2014. That move led to unprecedented vehicle mass and intricate electrical energy harvesting. When prompted about his ultimate regulation revision, Verstappen did not hesitate: Right now, change the engine back to a V8,
Verstappen stated bluntly.
Solving Modern Formula 1 Drivability and Weight Problems
For Verstappen, reverting to earlier engine architecture goes beyond a sentimental longing for the loud exhaust notes that characterized past eras. He argues that the mechanical simplicity of a V8 platform addresses the chronic weight issues that have hampered the handling dynamics of modern Formula 1 machinery. It fixes so many things,
he explained. A proper V8 is much better for, in every single scenario, you know, so drivability; it’s lighter, much more fun to race with.
The excessive bulk of contemporary cars, caused in large part by bulky hybrid batteries and cooling hardware, has drawn criticism across the grid. Verstappen views shedding that excess weight as the most direct path to reviving agile, driver-focused competition on circuit.
Replacing DRS With an IndyCar-Style ‘Push to Pass’ Mechanism
Beyond the engine architecture itself, Verstappen outlined a radical shift for overtaking mechanics. Formula 1 has relied on the Drag Reduction System (DRS)—a movable rear-wing flap that drops aerodynamic drag on straights—since the 2011 season. Rather than relying on aerodynamic gimmicks that can turn passing into a highway cruise, Verstappen proposed coupling a V8 configuration with a minimal electrical assist system similar to IndyCar’s push-to-pass feature.
And if you need like a tiny battery for like a push to pass, so we also don’t need the DRS anymore, that’s fine,
Verstappen suggested. He noted that such an approach puts competitive execution squarely back in the hands of the competitor, forcing overtakes to occur in heavy braking zones rather than midway through high-speed straightaways. That is powerful enough to generate an overtake, but at the end of the straight that you need to go for a move,
he noted, adding that sometimes DRS is way too powerful in places.
While reports indicate that Formula 1 has targeted a potential reintroduction of V8 powertrains starting in 2030, the Dutch champion remains adamant about what would elevate the driver experience today. In my ideal world, V8, V10, but I guess it will be more V8 nowadays; that will be great. A lot more fun to drive,
Verstappen concluded. And then if you add like, a little battery for like a push to pass kind of thing, then I think it’s fine.
Why This Matters
Verstappen’s remarks amplify an ongoing debate between motorsport purists and Formula 1’s corporate stakeholders. As the championship heads into its 2026 regulatory revamp, manufacturers like Ferrari, Mercedes, Audi, and Honda have invested heavily in high-output hybrid systems to align with road-car efficiency initiatives. However, increased battery sizes have driven car weights to record highs, causing drivers to express frustration over sluggish dynamics in low-speed corners.
Furthermore, DRS has faced steady criticism for manufacturing artificial passing maneuvers on high-speed circuits. Verstappen’s concept of combining lightweight internal combustion engines with a small manual deployment boost directly challenges the current reliance on aerodynamic aids, offering an alternative path that prioritizes racecraft over automated speed deltas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Formula 1 stop using V8 engines?
Formula 1 ran naturally aspirated 2.4-liter V8 engines through the end of the 2013 season. In 2014, the championship instituted 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrains featuring complex electrical motor-generator units (MGU-K and MGU-H).
What is the alternative to DRS suggested by Max Verstappen?
Verstappen suggested fitting cars with a compact battery system that provides an on-demand “push to pass” burst of power. This setup would replace the movable rear-wing DRS flap, allowing drivers to gain just enough speed on straights to contest an overtake under braking rather than sailing past opponents unchecked.
Are V8 engines being considered for future F1 regulations?
Formula 1 is committed to hybrid V6 powertrains with an increased 50/50 electrical split for the 2026 ruleset. However, discussions have surfaced regarding the long-term technical direction for 2030, where simplified engines running on 100% sustainable fuels remain a talking point among stakeholders and purists.
