V8s 'tipped to definitely improve racing' despite Montoya shutting down hype

Speaking on the BBC Chequered Flag podcast, Montoya defended the 2026 car regulations, which have been heavily criticised by drivers including Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz. He said: "If you see the guy’s going to pass you, you can get into recharge mode earlier, and then you have a little bit more extra energy for the next straight and you can fight your way.

Therefore, the Colombian argued that V8s are not the solution. The former Williams and McLaren driver added: "People say, ‘Oh, your time was so good,’ I say, ‘Watch a race, it’s so boring. Even for us. It was sometimes like a short test session.’"

GPblog’s readers have a clear verdict. 83% of voters believe V8 engines would definitely improve racing, while just 17% say they would not improve it at all.

On the other hand, comments did support Montoya as well. One wrote: "The reality is that people want V8's back in because of the noise. That's it. If today's engines screamed like the V8's or the V10's, there'd be less call for it. If people simply don't like the hybrid concept, then why not just go with today's reliable engines instead?As for DRS, Montoya is right yet again. DRS was so fake and required so little skill to pull off an overtake."

Do you agree with Montoya, or would you prefer to see V8s return to Formula 1 instead? Vote in the poll below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.