![\"Lawson](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/XPB_1407501_HiRes.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLiam Lawson has backed a push for V8 engines to return to F1. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLiam Lawson has backed a push for V8 engines to return to F1. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
The Racing Bulls driver said the current generation of machinery still needs work to restore the raw enjoyment of racing, while longer-term discussions within the sport include a potential shift back to V8 engines by 2031.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be simple, from a driver\u2019s side, we want to get in the car, we want to drive as fast as we can,\u201d Lawson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want a car that\u2019s playful to drive, and you can push hard, and it makes cool noises.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s obviously what we love, that\u2019s what I grew up watching F1, and that\u2019s the sort of era that it was in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drivers across the grid have been increasingly vocal about the direction of the regulations, with complaints centred on the heavy focus on energy deployment and battery management under the 2026 rules.<\/p>\n
Lawson said recent tweaks made by the governing body, the FIA, were a step in the right direction after driver feedback sessions, but stressed more needs to be done to improve the racing product.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great that at least we\u2019re sort of being heard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I think we have to be as well, because you can\u2019t have a series where people don\u2019t want to be racing, or don\u2019t want to be racing the cars or not enjoying them as much with something like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The debate has fuelled growing calls for a return to simpler engine formats, with a V8 comeback now being considered for the sport\u2019s future engine pathway, with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently suggesting a return could come by 2031<\/a>.<\/p>\n Lawson was also candid about the current cars, admitting that driving them has become more about systems management than pure speed.<\/p>\n \u201cThis year it\u2019s so much more about power unit. When are we deploying, when are we charging, what can we do gear usage wise to help manage more energy?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause there\u2019s so much more lap time there, and a lot less time is spent on the actual car.\u201d<\/p>\n Lawson enters the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend 10th in the drivers\u2019 championship and is hopeful new upgrades to his VCARB 03 will provide added performance in Montreal.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s exciting,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have an upgrade that we hope delivers well. And if that all happens then hopefully we\u2019ll be in a good place.<\/p>\n \u201cMiami was a tough weekend, but I think personally I actually felt really good over the weekend. And I feel good coming into this weekend as well.\u201d<\/p>\n 2026 F1 Canadian Grand Prix \u2013 Schedule, how to watch, TV times & more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n