Charles Leclerc wants Formula 1 to go back to V8 or V10 engines

There’s something poetic about drivers hearing machines roar. For Charles Leclerc, that nostalgia isn’t just sentiment — it’s part of what made him fall in love with Formula 1. In a recent interview, Leclerc admitted he “misses” the V10/V8 era, particularly the noise and visceral feel those engines delivered.

Leclerc’s comments don’t just reflect personal preference. They feed into a broader debate: should F1 consider returning to naturally aspirated V8 (or V10) engines, even as it moves toward hybrid and sustainable power units? Let’s unpack what Leclerc said, what the technical and commercial challenges are, and whether a return makes sense — or if it’s better left in the past.

What Leclerc Said: Nostalgia, Noise, & Balance

In his interview with Motorsport.com, Leclerc voiced support for bringing back V8 or V10 engines — at least in some form. He emphasized how the sound used to send chills through fans and drivers alike, especially around street circuits like Monaco when the cars passed through narrow city streets. 

“I would definitely prefer to go back to normal V8 or V10 engines … especially the noise, that’s what I’m missing the most about the sport.” 

Yet Leclerc was careful not to call for a wholesale reinvention of the sport. He said the F1 weekend format should “stay where it is” — with the current number of sprint races and race structure — unless compelling reasons justify a change.

In short, he’d welcome the roar, but not necessarily the complexity of rewriting the entire sport.

Technical & Commercial Realities

The nostalgia is compelling, but the challenge lies in making it feasible in today’s regulatory, cost, and ecological climate.

1. Existing Engine Commitments & Investment

F1 is about to shift into a new engine cycle in 2026, with hybrid power units and sustainable fuel mandates. Many engine manufacturers (and teams) have poured huge sums into these designs. Reverting prematurely to V8s would risk undermining those investments. In fact, Red Bull, Mercedes, Honda, and Audi are all aligned on running the current plan through 2030.

Toto Wolff has commented that while many OEMs conceptually accept a future V8 shift, it makes little sense to fast-track the change before their current five-year plan is fulfilled. 

2. Cost & Complexity

Modern power units are not just about the internal combustion engine: they’re hybrid systems, with battery, energy recovery, control systems, turbochargers, and cooling systems integrated. Trying to revert to a naturally aspirated V8 without that complexity oversimplifies the modern performance puzzle.

There are also economies of scale: companies have designed factories, supply chains, and technical infrastructure around the current configuration. Starting over would be costly, disruptive, and risky.

3. Sound vs Sustainability

Leclerc’s longing for sound is valid — it’s part of what gives F1 its emotional punch. But today’s F1 also must be sustainable. Any return to V8/V10 would likely need to incorporate hybrid elements or sustainable fuels to satisfy environmental and regulatory demands. Some proposals talk about V8 + hybrid as a compromise. 

The Middle Ground: A Future Where V8 Returns, But Slowly

Given the constraints, a complete, sudden switch is unlikely. But a phased approach might win enough support. Here’s what that might look like:

• Trial or exhibition runs: In non-championship or special events, running cars with V8/V10 spec for demonstration races could test public reaction and engineering feasibility without disrupting championships.

• Hybrid V8s: Rather than pure NA engines, a modern V8 combined with ERS (energy recovery systems) might retain the roar while keeping efficiency and eco-credibility.

• Incremental adoption: Rather than rewriting the rules overnight, F1 could offer optional “nostalgia runs” or power unit variants, while keeping the current formula intact for the majority of teams.

• Fan and stakeholder consultation: Leclerc’s voice reflects driver sentiment, but OEMs, promoters, sponsors, and fans must all be aligned before committing.

FIA President Ben Sulayem has floated the idea of introducing V8s as early as 2029 — though many insiders consider it optimistic. Meanwhile, many stakeholders suggest that any return is unlikely before 2031 at the earliest. 

What Would It Mean for F1?

If F1 did successfully reintroduce V8s (or V8/hybrid hybrids), the effects could be:

• Fan engagement: More visceral, loud races could re-capture nostalgia and emotional connection, especially for long-time fans.

• Driver enjoyment: Drivers like Leclerc might regain that “chill down the spine” sensation from hearing a screaming engine, particularly in city circuits.

• Redemption of simplicity: F1 could shed some of the complexity critics complain about and offer more mechanical purity.

• But also danger: A return could split the field, raise costs for newcomers, and penalize manufacturers who committed to hybrid investments.

Final Thoughts

Charles Leclerc’s comments about missing the roar of V8/V10 engines tap into a fundamental longing among many fans and drivers — for something rawer, louder, and more visceral than today’s high-tech hybrids. He’s not demanding a full overhaul, but opens the door to the question: is there room in modern F1 for a return to more mechanical purity?

Realistically, the path forward is fraught. The commitments, the costs, and the strategic risks are significant. But Leclerc’s voice matters — it reminds stakeholders of the emotional core of racing. If F1 wants to retain both performance and passion, exploring hybrid V8 routes (or demonstration events) may be the only way to marry technology with nostalgia.

For now, F1 moves forward with its 2026 hybrid plan. But if one day we hear engines again that evoke those powerful V8-era memories — well, Leclerc has made it clear: he’d welcome that day with open ears.