F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Max Verstappen: 'Bring back the screaming V10!"

Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen hopes that Formula 1 brings back the intense and screaming sound of the V10 engine when new rules kick in after 2020.

Last Friday, the FIA hosted a meeting with F1 stakeholders and other parties interested in the future of F1's engine rules.

Discussions resulted in a broad agreement between all vested parties to work towards a future engine platform which would favour a cheaper, simpler and better sounding power unit.

FIA president Jean Todt has theoretically ruled out a return to a simple V10 or V12 non-turbo architecture, insisting that "society would not accept it."

But Verstappen is hoping that if there is a will, then there will be a way to bring back V10s.

"I think it would be very nice to have a V10 engine or something, with the lovely sound,” he told Motorsport.com.

"[The current engines are] nice for me in the car, but I think it’s not really impressive for the fans, if you compare it to a V10 or V12."

Current engine regulations were introduced in 2015 with the 1.5litre turbo-hybrid base viewed at the time as an incitement for manufacturers to get involved in F1 given the road car relevancy of the approach.

It hasn't panned out as expected however, with only Honda entering the pinnacle of motorsport and Mercedes dominating proceedings with its power unit in the past two seasons.

Verstappen isn't a fan of any sort of electric alternative either, at least as long as he races in Formula 1.

"Let’s keep things how they are for the next 15 years. I would be fine with that. After that they can make the whole thing completely electric," he added.

"After that I’m going to do other things.I already have some things in my mind I would like to do, but of course this is still quite far away.

"I hope that the sport is still using a petrol engine by then. One that also makes some sound."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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