The team's CEO, Benedetto Vigna, assured that the conversations "have been going on for some time," Mercedes, Red Bull and General Motors support the initiative, Audi has reservations. The return could be brought forward to 2030.
The future sound of Formula 1 could be being written right now, Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari, confirmed during the conference with analysts on the first quarter results that the team maintains advanced contacts with the FIA about the possible return of V8 engines to the category: "We believe in the continuity of propulsion with three engines," he declared.
The executive revealed that the conversations are not new: "We already knew about these conversations with the FIA, which have been going on for some time," Vigna stated. The president of the International Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is a known supporter of promoting this architecture, and there is speculation about the possibility of bringing its arrival forward to 2030, breaking the usual deadlines of the regulatory cycle.
Vigna's statements came in a favorable economic context for the brand, racing-related revenues increased in the first quarter, thanks to the increase in sponsorships and the positive contribution derived from supplying engines to other F1 teams: "We have started the 2026 season with podiums, both in Formula 1, where we see the first encouraging signs of our progress with the new regulations, and in the World Endurance Championship," he emphasized.
The possible regulatory change would not affect, according to Vigna, the brand's strategy regarding its road cars: "There will be no implications for road cars nor for our strategies," he assured. The executive defended the need to review regulations every five years, something usual in the FIA.
According to the latest information, the V8 engine being studied would be 2,600 cubic centimeters. Negotiations with the International Federation are said to be so advanced that it does not seem unlikely that the next regulations could be defined before the end of 2026.
Support for the V8 is not unanimous, but it has the backing of the heavyweights, sources close to the conversations indicate that Mercedes-Benz, Red Bull Racing-Ford and General Motors have given their approval to the initiative.
Audi, however, has some reservations; the German brand, which has just joined the category, has been cautious about a change that could alter its development plans. Regarding Honda, there is no clear news. The Japanese manufacturer went through a deep crisis at the debut of the current power units, with 50% of the power split between the combustion engine and the electrical system. Mercedes
Fans, for their part, have been demanding a more aggressive and characteristic sound for years, the V8, which was used between 2006 and 2013, is remembered as one of the most appreciated eras from an acoustic point of view. The FIA seems willing to listen to those demands and the conversations, as Ferrari confirmed, are underway.