Max Verstappen and Mohammed Ben Sulayem have had their differences lately (Image: Getty)
has backed ’s plan to bring the sound of V10 engines back to F1 but has told the president to conduct his business ‘behind the scenes’ rather than ‘shouting so many things’ in public. The four-time world champion and Ben Sulayem have rarely been on the same page over the past 12 months.
The FIA chief’s clampdown on swearing landed Verstappen a community service punishment after the Singapore Grand Prix and triggered the driver to stage a protest in the paddock. Ben Sulayem has since continued his war on swearing with new regulations introduced for 2025. Verstappen has, as expected, been among the new rules’ most vocal detractors. Now, however, they have some common ground.
In a passionate statement released after the FIA was booed at the F1 75 Live event in London, Ben Sulayem said: “This week’s F1 launch in London has triggered a lot of positive discussion on the future of the sport.
“While we look forward to the introduction of the 2026 regulations on chassis and power unit, we must also lead the way on future technological motorsport trends. We should consider a range of directions, including the roaring sound of the V10 running on sustainable fuel.”
When asked about the FIA president’s latest idea, Verstappen was receptive but offered the Emirati official some constructive criticism. “Of course, I think it’s a very nice idea,” the Dutchman told .
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Lewis Hamilton is also a fan of Ben Sulayem’s proposal (Image: Getty)
“But whether it’s possible or not, that’s obviously a completely different story. I always think it’s better to not just shout so many things. It’s better to try to solve things behind the scenes – that would be better for everyone.”
Verstappen isn’t the only F1 big-hitter who supports bringing back the iconic V10 power units. Seven-time world champion lent his support to the FIA president’s latest idea ahead of his debut in Melbourne.
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“I hope that in 20 years, we’ll have great races, and we’ll have cars that sound good,” he said. “I certainly hope it’s not completely electric, but sustainable with V10 or V12 engines, with a zero carbon footprint or something like that.”
Unfortunately for Ben Sulayem, restoring his popularity in the paddock will take more than this idea. The 63-year-old has been widely criticised for a number of controversies over the past two years, and the FIA is now facing potential legal action from Motorsport UK centred around the organisation’s leadership.