Domenicali fully supports the return of V8 engines '1000%' as the conflict within F1 escalates.

      Lewis Hamilton has emphasized the increasing dissent against Formula 1’s contentious 2026 engine regulations as the political battle over future changes intensifies. The discussion reignited in Montreal following reports that certain manufacturers—especially Ferrari and Audi—are opposing plans to transition from the current heavy reliance on electric power to a more combustion-focused 60-40 ratio starting in 2027. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen took this opportunity to reiterate his threats to leave Formula 1 altogether if significant modifications are not implemented. Hamilton, despite securing P2 on Sunday, reiterated his critique of the sport's present direction. "It doesn’t feel like what motorsport should be," stated the seven-time world champion. "The engine should be revving all the way down the straight, constantly pushing. That's what happened during the V8 and V10 eras." Lance Stroll was even more direct. "If it were up to me, there wouldn’t be any battery at all," the Aston Martin-Honda driver remarked. "The drivers are the ones racing, but the manufacturers set the rules." Carlos Sainz, a director of the GPDA, indicated that even the proposed 60-40 compromise may still fall short. "The electric component should be an addition, not something we rely on, as we are now," the Williams driver said. "A 60:40 ratio for drivers isn’t sufficient. However, it might help maintain racing until real racing and genuine engines make a comeback in 2030." McLaren and Red Bull continue to strongly advocate for swift changes. McLaren boss Andrea Stella cautioned teams to consider the broader interests rather than their own competitive benefits. "This is a collective interest that must take precedence over individual interests," Stella stated. "If we don’t have a strong sport and don’t safeguard the business values of Formula 1, everyone will suffer." Publicly, Mercedes claims to be open to compromise. However, following another commanding weekend in Canada, many within the paddock believe Mercedes would clearly prefer to keep regulations mostly unchanged. The strongest defense of the new rules on Sunday came from George Russell—despite facing a significant setback in his championship aspirations after retiring from the lead. Russell highlighted his intense on-track duel with teammate Kimi Antonelli as evidence that the regulations are effective. "I haven’t had a battle like this in years," he remarked. "I haven’t seen such a fight since Lewis and Nico in 2014. These new cars make that possible. These engines enable that." While not directly mentioning Verstappen, Russell also questioned why some drivers are pushing for rapid changes. "I don’t understand why anyone would want to alter the rules," he said. "We had fantastic battles in Melbourne. We had great fights in China." "And this weekend, Kimi and I had another thrilling duel." Meanwhile, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that Liberty Media supports not just the 2027 changes, but also a potential return to naturally aspirated V8 engines by 2030 or 2031. "I’m 1000 percent in favor of the V8," Domenicali told L’Equipe, describing lighter cars and simpler engines as "the pure essence of motor racing." F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi also endorsed a future revival of louder engines, while cautioning against undue negativity. "Formula 1 is always Formula 1," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "There are aspects that can still be improved, but that’s normal with such a significant technical shift." When asked what he misses most from earlier eras, the Brazilian quickly replied: "Aspirated engines. That fantastic sound is somewhat lacking."