Six-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton believes the championship is likely to move towards electric power into the future.
Formula 1 regulations have gradually reduced the size of the internal combustion engine (ICE), opting to move to a V6 turbo hybrid formula in 2014.
With the inception of Formula E, which is set to begin its seventh season in 2021, F1 currently cannot move to an electric powertrain due to an exclusivity agreement with the FIA.
Despite this, there is nothing to stop F1 continuing its move towards a smaller ICE whilst increasing the capacity for hybrid power – much like the highly successful 2.0l V4 Porsche 919 hybrid from the World Endurance Championship or even a move towards hydrogen fuel cell technology.
“In terms of the sport, we already come from a V10, to a V8, to a V6, ultimately I think this sport is going to have to continue moving in the direction of going electric at some stages, as does the whole car industry.
“So we’ve got to continue to innovate in that direction. It’s probably not going to happen in my time here but the future of Formula 1, I guess.”
Hamilton also wants to see F1 continue to increase its efforts on its own environmental impact from the various areas which work in the paddock.
“I don’t have all the answers laid out. I’m aware [of] that, particularly pre-covid when we would go to all these races, there was a huge amount of waste that would come away from a weekend, from the food, the hospitality services, from just plastic bottles…
“I can’t even imagine how many thousands of plastic bottles are left in those places each weekend. I think Formula 1 should definitely be working [on that].
“I’m sure they are, when you do these events in these different countries you work with the organisers to make sure that you operate as cleanly as possible.
“We should minimise waste.”
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