Johnny Herbert: F1 should learn from Lola's sustainable fuel V8 revival

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has pointed to historic manufacturer Lola's new sustainable fuel-powered car as a model for Formula 1's future, amid ongoing criticism of the current hybrid power units. Herbert suggests the sport could adopt a similar approach with a sustainable fuel V8 by 2030, arguing it offers a more realistic and exciting path forward than the current complex hybrid formula.

Why it matters:

The debate over F1's engine future is intensifying, with drivers publicly criticizing the current 2026-spec hybrid units for their complexity and perceived lack of excitement. Lola's successful revival of a classic V8 sports car using fully sustainable fuel provides a tangible, working example of an alternative path—one that balances performance, sustainability, and fan appeal. This highlights a growing tension within the sport between technological hybrid advancement and the visceral appeal of simpler, louder combustion engines.

The details:

• Lola's World First: This week, Lola unveiled the T70S, billed as the world's first revived classic sports car to run entirely on sustainable fuel. It comes in track and road-legal versions, both powered by Chevrolet V8 engines producing over 500 bhp.
• Herbert's Critique: Johnny Herbert, speaking at the launch, stated the current F1 hybrid system "is not quite working at the present time." He believes Lola's project demonstrates that the internal combustion engine can have a sustainable future.
• The F1 Context: The new 2026 power unit regulations, featuring a 50/50 split between electrical and combustion power, have been met with criticism from stars like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris for their complexity and driving challenges.
• Historical Precedent: Early last year, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem floated the idea of scrapping the 2026 rules for a sustainable-fuel V10, but it was rejected. Herbert agrees a V10 was the wrong option but sees a V8 as a realistic compromise.

What's next:

The discussion is shifting from pure speculation to targeted rumor. Herbert revealed he has "been hearing whispers" that a return to a V8 engine running on sustainable fuel could be introduced around 2030, when the current regulatory cycle ends. While this is far from confirmed, it signals that alternative concepts are being seriously debated behind the scenes. Lola's functional prototype adds significant credibility to the argument that high-performance, sustainable combustion is not just a fantasy, potentially influencing future F1 power unit strategy.