Anthony Hamilton has unveiled detailed plans for an ambitious new motorsport series centred around naturally aspirated V10 and V8 engines, aiming to revive the visceral racing experience of early 21st-century single-seaters. The father of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton intends to create a platform that prioritises driver skill over technological complexity, with a global calendar spanning circuits no longer featured in Formula 1.
The project, which operates under registered trademarks including ‘Hybrid World Series’, represents Hamilton’s vision for what he describes as “authentic racing” that celebrates the iconic soundscape of high-revving engines whilst retaining hybrid efficiency. Unlike contemporary Formula 1, the proposed championship would eliminate performance management systems and artificial aids, placing pure driving talent at the forefront.
Dual-championship structure with 48 grid slots
Hamilton’s concept involves establishing two parallel championships running V8-hybrid and V10-hybrid powertrains, both naturally aspirated without turbocharging. The technical specification would mirror the Formula 1 machinery from the early 2000s, an era many enthusiasts regard as the pinnacle of driver-focused competition.
Each championship would feature 24 cars fielded by 24 distinct teams, with every outfit required to compete in both categories. A single manufacturer would supply standardised chassis to all participants, though teams could develop their own aerodynamic solutions within prescribed parameters. This approach aims to deliver reliable, high-performance machines that drivers can push to the limit without the intervention of energy management protocols or complex electronic systems.
“My intention is to strip away the complexity and refocus on the driver,” Hamilton explained in conversation with The Race. “That means no artificial performance management, just genuine racing. Ultimately, I want pure, authentic competition centred on driver talent.”
The emphasis on driver ability extends to the championship’s philosophy of minimal electronic assistance, contrasting sharply with modern Formula 1 power unit technology that demands constant fuel and energy deployment management.
Motorsport draft system and licensing requirements
Rather than following the traditional pay-driver model prevalent in many junior formulae, HybridV10 intends to compensate its competitors directly. Hamilton plans to establish a Motorsport Draft League to ensure fair selection of proven talent for the 48 available seats across both championships.
Entry criteria for the V10 category includes a minimum age of 20 years and possession of a ‘Hybrid-superlicentie’ issued by the proposed Hybrid World Commission. This licensing structure would parallel Formula 1’s superlicence system whilst remaining independent of FIA governance.
Hamilton’s recruitment strategy targets accomplished drivers from diverse racing backgrounds, including IndyCar, the World Rally Championship, NASCAR, and GT competition. This cross-pollination of talent could create grids featuring specialists from multiple disciplines, each bringing distinct racecraft approaches developed in their respective series.
The initiative represents an alternative pathway for drivers who may have reached the ceiling in their current categories or seek competitive opportunities beyond Formula 1.
Global calendar targeting former Formula 1 venues
The inaugural season would comprise twelve HybridV10 festivals scheduled to avoid conflicts with the Formula 1 calendar wherever possible. Hamilton’s venue selection focuses exclusively on FIA Grade 1 circuits that no longer host Grand Prix racing, offering both safety standards and racing heritage.
Proposed locations include Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, Circuit Paul Ricard in France, Mugello Circuit in Italy, and Kyalami in South Africa. These venues represent tracks with established motorsport infrastructure and passionate local fan bases, many of whom lament their absence from the current F1 schedule.
The choice of these circuits serves dual purposes: accessing high-quality facilities at potentially favourable commercial terms, whilst tapping into markets where motorsport enthusiasm remains strong despite Formula 1’s departure. Sepang, for instance, hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 and retains significant regional following.
By positioning the championship as a festival format rather than isolated race weekends, Hamilton appears to be cultivating an event atmosphere that could differentiate the series from traditional championship structures.
What this means for motorsport’s future landscape
Hamilton’s HybridV10 project enters a crowded marketplace where numerous alternative championships compete for attention, sponsorship, and talent. Success will depend on securing manufacturer partnerships for chassis production, attracting sufficient financial backing to sustain grid numbers, and delivering a sporting spectacle compelling enough to draw audiences away from established series.
The naturally aspirated engine concept may resonate with motorsport purists who favour auditory engagement and mechanical simplicity over hybrid efficiency. However, the championship must also demonstrate environmental responsibility and technical relevance to attract commercial partners in an era increasingly focused on sustainability credentials.
If realised, the series could provide veteran drivers with extended career opportunities and offer junior talent an alternative route when Formula 1 seats remain inaccessible. The project’s trajectory will likely become clearer once Hamilton secures technical partners and announces specific launch timelines for the ambitious dual-championship structure.
