HybridV10: Reviving the V10 Engine Experience

In the high-octane world of motorsport, where the scream of engines once defined an era, a familiar name is stepping out from the shadows of his son’s legendary career to ignite a new flame. Anthony Hamilton, the father and former manager of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, has unveiled plans for an ambitious racing series called HybridV10.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

This project isn’t just another championship—it’s a passionate attempt to blend the thunderous nostalgia of V10 engines with modern hybrid technology and sustainable fuels, promising “real racing” and “proper sound” in a fan-centric festival format.

Anthony’s journey to this point is rooted in decades of dedication to the sport. As Lewis’s early mentor, he juggled multiple jobs to fund his son’s karting dreams, eventually guiding him to F1 stardom. Now, at 65, Anthony is channeling that same grit into HybridV10, a series he describes as a “global festival-based motorsport platform designed to celebrate performance, sound, and innovation.” He envisions it as a complementary force in the racing landscape, not a direct rival to F1, but one that addresses what he sees as gaps in accessibility, driver talent focus, and fan engagement.

At its core, HybridV10 features two divisions: the premier HybridV10 class with naturally aspirated hybrid V10 engines, and a supporting HybridV8 category. Each will boast grids of up to 24 single-seater cars, operated by as many teams, with a single-make chassis foundation to ensure equality and controlled costs—no technology arms race here. The engines aim to recapture the visceral, high-pitched roar of mid-2000s F1 power units, using simple hybrid elements for strategic depth, like rapid-energy pitstops, while running on 100% sustainable fuels to align with environmental goals. “My intention is to strip away complexity and put the focus back on the driver,” Anthony has said. “That means no artificial performance management—just real racing.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hybrid V10 (@hybridv10)

The series’ structure is as innovative as its tech. Events will unfold over three-day “festivals” at FIA Grade 1 circuits outside the F1 calendar, such as Sepang, Paul Ricard, or Kyalami, forming a 12-round global “Eco Loop” that minimizes travel waste by sequencing rounds logically across continents. Fridays will showcase technology and education, Saturdays feature HybridV8 action, and Sundays crown the V10 races. A central HybridV10 Campus will house a “Center of Excellence” with simulators, STEM labs, apprenticeships, and university partnerships, fostering talent from diverse backgrounds—including a “Sim-to-Seat” pathway for sim racers without traditional karting funds.

Driver selection breaks from convention with a merit-based Draft League, overseen by the independent Hybrid World Commission (HWC). To earn a “Hybrid Super License,” racers over 20 must accumulate points from top finishes in series like IndyCar, NASCAR, or WRC, plus simulator performance, technical knowledge, fitness, and professionalism. This opens doors for underrepresented talents, while a new agent licensing system promotes transparency. Fans aren’t sidelined either: a “This Isn’t Right” mechanism lets them flag concerns about fairness or safety in real-time, amplifying their voice in governance.

Timeline-wise, Anthony is playing the long game. With investor backing already secured, 2026 will focus on building audience and partnerships, 2027 on testing, and a full launch targeted for 2028 or 2029. “I can build this alone, but I’d rather build it together with the fans,” he emphasized, inviting input to shape the series.

Yet, not everyone is revving with enthusiasm. Early reactions highlight skepticism: on platforms like Reddit, users question the feasibility of mimicking true V10 sounds with hybrids and wonder if prioritizing noise over on-track action will deliver exciting races, drawing comparisons to lackluster loud-engine events of the past. Analysts point to challenges like premature announcements and convoluted messaging, urging Anthony to refine the pitch into a concise, credible plan to attract serious backers. Governance ambiguities—whether under FIA rules or fully independent—could invite hurdles, and the “non-championship” festival vibe risks fading fan interest without a clear title chase.

Despite the doubts, HybridV10 taps into a deep well of motorsport nostalgia while pushing forward with sustainability and inclusivity. If Anthony can navigate the pitfalls and rally the community, this could become the symphony that revives the soul of racing—one hybrid roar at a time. As he builds momentum through January with more details, the motorsport world watches, engines idling in anticipation.