GM's president, Mark Reuss, admitted that he "loves" the sound of V8s, although he asked for "respect" for the investment in the current hybrid V6s. Mark Rushbrook, from Ford, assured that his company "naturally manufactures many naturally aspirated V8s."
The debate about the future sound of Formula 1 is more alive than ever, the recent statements by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem about a possible return of V8 engines to the category in 2031 have found an immediate echo in the two big American manufacturers, Ford and General Motors, each from their position in the sport, have given their support to the initiative.
Mark Rushbrook, Ford's motorsport director, was clear: "It's fantastic to see that the FIA and Formula 1 are already talking about what the next regulations will look like. We are shareholders in the sport and we will share our point of view, but without a doubt, as a company that naturally manufactures many naturally aspirated V8 engines, we would love to see them back here," he assured.
Ford is immersed in its collaboration with Red Bull to develop the current engine, but that does not stop it from looking to the future. The blue oval brand looks favorably on a regulatory change that restores an architecture familiar to them, and that has always been liked by fans.
For his part, Mark Reuss, president of General Motors (owner of Cadillac), was more cautious but equally enthusiastic: "I love V8 engines and the sound they produce," he highlighted, but nevertheless Reuss wanted to value the work done so far: "As one of the new teams, we are very respectful of the investment that was made in the hybrid V6s," he noted.
GM is preparing to supply its own engines to Cadillac in the coming years, when the American team stops being a Ferrari customer, the transition to manufacturer is a major step, and any regulatory change must be handled with care. But Reuss left the door open: "If F1, the FIA and the teams say we're going in that direction, we'll be ready," he concluded.
The statements of both executives come at a key moment, Formula 1 has just introduced a new power unit regulation for 2026, with a 50/50 split between the combustion engine and the electrical part, but the category is already looking further ahead. Ben Sulayem has raised the possibility that the next cycle, from 2031 onwards, will recover the V8s, possibly with 100% sustainable fuels.
The sound of the engines has always been a central element of the show, the V8s used between 2006 and 2013, are remembered with special affection by fans. Their roar, deeper and more aggressive than that of the current hybrid V6 turbos, is one of the great attractions of those who demand a change.
Ford and GM, two heavyweights of the industry, have just given their blessing and now, the ball is in the court of the FIA and the other manufacturers. The debate is served.