Lawson backs push for 'playful' F1 cars amid V8 return discussions

Liam Lawson has joined the chorus of drivers demanding more engaging Formula 1 machinery, backing potential V8 engine returns and calling for cars that are "playful" to drive. The Racing Bulls driver says the 2026 regulations still prioritize energy deployment over raw speed, and that recent FIA tweaks are only a partial fix.

Why it matters:

Driver dissatisfaction is growing as the sport's technical direction leans heavily on hybrid complexity. Lawson's comments reflect a broader sentiment that F1 risks losing its visceral appeal. The FIA's consideration of V8 engines for 2031 signals a possible pivot toward simpler, louder power units that could reignite fan and driver passion.

The details:

• "To be simple, from a driver's side, we want to get in the car, we want to drive as fast as we can," Lawson said. He wants a car that is "playful" and makes "cool noises" – reminiscent of the V8 era he grew up watching.
• He acknowledged that recent FIA adjustments after driver feedback were "great" but added: "I think we have to be as well, because you can't have a series where people don't want to be racing."
• FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has suggested V8 engines could return by 2031, adding weight to the discussion.
• Lawson, currently 10th in the drivers' championship, is hoping a new upgrade package for his VCARB 03 will deliver improved performance in Montreal, after a tough Miami weekend where he felt personally strong.

What's next:

The Canadian Grand Prix will be an early test for both Lawson's upgrades and the continued debate over car characteristics. With drivers increasingly vocal, the governing body may accelerate discussions on engine regulations beyond 2030. Whether the sport fully embraces a V8 future remains uncertain, but the call for more "playful" cars is unlikely to fade.