The Heads of General Motors and Ford Racing have both signalled their keenness for Formula 1 to return to V8 engines, in light of the FIA’s recent timeframe to deliver it.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed that, over the weekend of the Miami Grand Prix, the sport’s governing body was ready to deliver a return to V8 power by 2031.
Previous statements have indicated that this is indeed the Emirati’s wish, and is one shared by a number of F1 fans, as well as echoing those of a number of drivers.
The statement came at a time when F1 introduced “refinements” to the sport’s much-maligned new ruleset, which has since seen a further FIA announcement that the ICE-electric split on the new hybrids will shift towards the former next year.
With Ford having just re-entered F1 after 20 years, and Cadillac [which is owned by General Motors] having just made its first steps into the sport, one may be forgiven thinking the idea of moving away from the longstanding hybrid position may be unpalatable.
Both Cadillac’s owners GM and Ford are appearing pleased with the prospect of V8s returning to Formula 1
But Ford Racing chief Mark Rushbrook was apparently more than happy with the proposal.
“It’s great to see the FIA and Formula 1 already talking about what is the next set of regulations,” he said.
“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’s president, Mark Reuss, spoke with similar enthusiasm.
“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 [return to V8s], we’ll be ready.”
This will be welcome news for Ben Sulayem, however it would be unlikely to be handed such a positive tone from Audi, which has a rich history of electric-based racing success.
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