Max Verstappen has raised doubts about how much weight Formula 1 fans should give to recent rumors of V10 engines returning to the sport.
In recent days, prominent voices—including F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Toto Wolff, Christian Horner, Frederic Vasseur, and Lewis Hamilton—have all mused about the possibility.
The speculation gained extra momentum after Ben Sulayem suggested that fully sustainable fuels could pave the way for lightweight, noisy V10s to re-enter F1 by 2030.
"I think it's a very nice idea," the four-time world champion, Verstappen, told Viaplay over the weekend, "but the question is whether that's possible."
Formula 1, indeed, is set to deepen its commitment to hybrid 'power units' in 2026, introducing engines that are even more electric-focused than those currently in use.
Verstappen hinted that Ben Sulayem's comments might be premature or diversionary.
"I think it's better not to shout so many things, and that it's better to solve these kinds of things behind the scenes," said the Dutchman. "That's better for everyone."
Tensions between Verstappen and the FIA president have simmered for months, particularly after the 'swearing ban' that led to the 27-year-old serving a day of community service in Rwanda last December.
In response, the Red Bull driver jokingly suggested he might switch to swearing in Limburgish.
"Yes, I can do that," Verstappen said with a laugh. "I already did it often enough back in karting.
"These are all very silly things that I really don't want to deal with, but it is what it is." body check tags ::
