Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, has announced plans to establish a new motorsport championship centred around the distinctive sound of V10 engines. The initiative, currently operating under the working title ‘HybridV10’, aims to combine authentic racing with the mechanical symphony that defined Formula 1’s most celebrated era. Hamilton’s deep-rooted involvement in motorsport extends far beyond his son’s career, and this latest venture represents his most ambitious independent project yet.
From kartside support to championship founder
Hamilton’s motorsport credentials stretch back decades, forged through years of working multiple jobs to fund Lewis’s early karting ambitions. His role in the paddock evolved significantly beyond parental support when he managed Paul di Resta during the Scottish driver’s transition from DTM to Force India in Formula 1. Since 2023, Hamilton has served as an advisor to the FIA, contributing specifically to the Young Driver Development Pathway—a role that positions him at the intersection of grassroots talent identification and professional racing structures. This accumulated experience across different levels of motorsport now underpins his decision to launch an entirely new racing series.
The HybridV10 project emerges at a time when discussions about the character and appeal of modern racing machinery continue to divide opinion within motorsport circles. Hamilton’s vision explicitly targets drivers seeking what he describes as “real racing, real talents, real skills and the perfect sound”—a philosophy that deliberately contrasts with the technical complexity and muted powertrains that have come to define contemporary single-seater categories.
Trademark filings reveal global ambitions
Recent trademark registrations provide insight into the scale of Hamilton’s ambitions. Among the protected names is ‘Hybrid World Series’, suggesting the championship could operate across multiple continents rather than as a regional series. The hybrid element in the naming indicates the series may incorporate modern efficiency technology whilst retaining the visceral V10 soundtrack that many enthusiasts associate with Formula 1’s peak entertainment value during the early 2000s.
Further details regarding technical specifications, calendar structure, and FIA sanctioning remain under wraps until later in 2026. Hamilton has confirmed that comprehensive information about the cars themselves, engine suppliers, championship format, and race locations will be revealed as the project moves closer to operational reality. The extended timeline suggests thorough preparation rather than a rushed launch, potentially allowing for proper manufacturer engagement and circuit negotiations.
Cost control and accessibility as founding principles
Hamilton’s stated philosophy emphasises “a return to authentic racing with real sound, real competition, open opportunities and a disciplined cost cap, realised through clear, transparent structures, without unnecessary complexity.” The explicit mention of cost control addresses one of motorsport’s most persistent challenges—the financial barriers that prevent talented drivers from progressing simply due to budget constraints. By establishing a strict cost ceiling from inception, HybridV10 aims to prioritise driver ability over commercial backing, potentially creating a more meritocratic pathway for emerging talent.
The rejection of “unnecessary complexity” appears directed at categories where technical regulations have become so intricate that they overshadow the racing itself. Whether this approach can attract sufficient manufacturer interest whilst maintaining mechanical simplicity remains one of the project’s key questions. V10 engines, whilst sonically superior to current powertrains, present challenges in terms of production costs and environmental considerations that any modern championship must address.
What this means for junior motorsport landscape
Should HybridV10 materialise as envisioned, it could fill a specific gap in the motorsport pyramid between national Formula 4 championships and the increasingly expensive FIA Formula 3 series. The combination of cost control, global reach, and distinctive machinery might appeal to drivers seeking international exposure without the seven-figure budgets demanded by established categories. Hamilton’s FIA connections could prove instrumental in securing the necessary sporting approvals and potentially integrating the series into recognised Super Licence points structures.
The project’s success will ultimately depend on factors yet to be revealed: whether chassis manufacturers can deliver V10-powered cars within the promised cost parameters, which circuits commit to hosting races, and how the series positions itself relative to existing championships competing for the same driver pool and commercial partners. Hamilton’s announcement establishes intent and philosophy, but the motorsport landscape is littered with ambitious series that failed to translate concept into sustainable reality.
