Max Verstappen, the reigning triple world champion, shared a glimpse into the future of Formula 1, envisioning an era beyond the roar of petrol engines. Speaking candidly to Blick newspaper, he mused, “Petrol will probably be gone. But our sport is already becoming greener and more sustainable. What is for certain is that Max Verstappen will no longer be there,” he said with a laugh when imagining a decade from now, acknowledging both the inevitable march of time and the evolving nature of the sport.
This forward-looking perspective comes against the backdrop of Formula 1’s ongoing transformation. Since 2014, the sport has pivoted from the thunderous symphony of naturally-aspirated engines to more environmentally conscious hybrid ‘power units’. These changes herald a shift, not just in technology but in philosophy, as F1 embraces sustainability. The journey is set to accelerate from 2026, with a greater focus on electrical elements and sustainable fuels.
Yet, in the midst of these advancements, the discussion of hydrogen as a potential power source remained largely unexplored. Hydrogen, known for its eco-friendly credentials, especially when produced using wind or solar energy, leaves water as its only by-product. It represents an untapped frontier in motor racing’s quest for sustainability.
In a significant development, F1 and the FIA have announced the creation of a working group in collaboration with the FIA’s off-road Extreme E series. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as Extreme E, soon to be rebranded as Extreme H from 2025, is transitioning to hydrogen power.
Pat Symonds, Formula 1’s chief technical officer, underscored the significance of this collaboration: “Our sport has a tradition of bringing new technologies to the forefront of public perception in incredibly short timescales,” he explained. “This working group enables a collaboration which will allow us to gain first-hand experience and contribute to the understanding and development of the many aspects of hydrogen propulsion that Extreme H will embrace,” Symonds added, highlighting the potential of this venture to shape the future of racing technology.
