Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis, has unveiled plans for a new motorsport series - known as HybridV10 - to "expand opportunity and accessibility" at the top level of racing.
The series promises two different divisions in a HybridV10 championship and a parallel HybridV8 category. There are plans for 24 teams across the two categories, potentially offering opportunities for 48 race seats; a start date for the championship has been pencilled in for either 2028 or 2029.
Plans for the series also demonstrate a desire to increase the value of fan feedback, along with providing educational and employment opportunities, an entry route for sim racers to move into real-world racing, and prioritising driver talent over funding opportunities.
Although a technical format has yet to be determined other than the outline of the powertrains in each car, the championships promise cost controls and the ability for manufacturers to become involved.
Reading between the lines, its statement that every team will begin with "the same foundation" suggests a centralised chassis with the ability for teams to implement their own advancements, without proceeding into a technology war.
The series promises to develop a central "HybridV10 Campus" containing a "Centre of Excellence" - which contains facilities for all teams, engineering programmes, simulators and driver training tools, plus education pathways and apprenticeships for those looking to start their career in motorsport.
A draft system is part of the proposal, not only to select drivers, but also for team personnel. Like F1, drivers need to accrue enough "Hybrid Super Licence" points to gain access to the draft. The entry barrier has been set at a high level, requiring any drivers to be over 20 and have either finished in the top three in any top-level racing category, hold an F1 superlicence, or have fulfilled an F1 reserve driver role.
However, the in-house superlicence structure also allows drivers to earn points in other ways, either through race results or in simulator/testing performances, education/technical knowledge, fitness, and professionalism.
The series is also looking to implement its own governance system, labelled the Hybrid World Commission, to oversee all elements from the regulations, stewarding, safety standards, and to manage the other add-ons that the series aims to provide.
Furthermore, there is scope for fan interaction using the series' "This Isn’t Right" mechanism: allowing fans to "constructively raise concerns regarding sporting fairness, safety, or procedural integrity during any HybridV10 festival event".
The release from the series also outlines a three-day "festival" event, using Friday to showcase technology, innovation, and education opportunities, Saturday for the HybridV8 series' running, and Sunday for the HybridV10 category.
It has suggested that a 12-round calendar will be implemented around the world, visiting all major continents in a loop to include new or emerging motorsport markets, and build its profile and interest globally.
"This is an early-stage build, being developed deliberately and properly," Hamilton stated. "More detail including how people can be involved from the beginning will be shared throughout January.
"I can build this alone, but I'd rather build it together with the fans and those who want to shape the future of a new motorsport platform."
The series will work throughout 2026 in attempting to build its audience and make progress with prospective team owners, before finalising the overall technical package ahead of a projected testing period in 2027.
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