May 5 (GMM) Support for a return to V8 engines in Formula 1 is rapidly building – with key US manufacturers now openly backing the idea after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem declared the concept “will happen”.
Speaking to the Detroit News, Cadillac owner General Motors as well as Ford both made clear where they stand.
“It’s great to see the FIA and Formula 1 already talking about what is the next set of regulations,” said Ford Racing chief Mark Rushbrook.
“We are a stakeholder in the sport and we’ll share our point of view.”
“But certainly, as a company that makes a lot of naturally aspirated V8s, we would love to see a V8 here.”
GM president Mark Reuss struck a similar tone.
“I love V8s and the way they sound,” he said.
“But we’re very respectful – as one of the newer teams – of the investment that was made in the V6 hybrids.”
“So if Formula 1 and FIA and the teams say that we’re going to (go V8), we’ll be ready.”
The backing from Detroit comes as momentum also builds inside the paddock.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed his team is also open to a shift.
“We are open to new engine regulations,” he said.
“We love V8 engines. We have only fond memories of them, and from our perspective, it’s a true Mercedes engine.”
But he cautioned against going too far.
“If we suddenly switch to naturally aspirated engines, we might look a bit ridiculous,” Wolff added.
“Maybe we can get 800 hp out of the combustion engine and add another 400 hp of electric power to that.”
Red Bull is also on board, despite its heavy investment in its all-new engine project.
“Red Bull Ford Powertrains is quite open to this idea,” said Laurent Mekies.
“We had to start from scratch developing this generation of powertrain. At the same time, we’re excited about the new challenge.”
Ferrari, meanwhile, is pushing for simplification.
“It’s crucial to reduce the insane engine budgets,” said Frederic Vasseur.
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES