![\"Push](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/XPB_636635_HiRes.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere has been further backing for a possible return to V8s in F1. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere has been further backing for a possible return to V8s in F1. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
While F1 has only just begun its new 2026 engine era, discussions are already intensifying over what could follow beyond the current rules cycle, with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem pushing for a return to V8 power potentially by 2030 or 2031.<\/p>\n
The FIA recently confirmed refinements to the current regulations, including a revised 60-40 split in favour of combustion power over electrical energy<\/a>, while F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also signalled openness towards a future formula featuring sustainable-fuel V8 engines combined with a smaller hybrid component<\/a>.<\/p>\n In an interview with Autosport, Rushbrook said Ford welcomed the direction of the discussions as the company continues to strengthen its partnership with Red Bull Racing.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the future, the next set of regulations, I think the sport has taken the right approach to engage the stakeholders of what\u2019s important and what\u2019s at play,\u201d Rushbrook said.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything that we\u2019ve been part of, what we see in here, is encouraging to us.<\/p>\n \u201cThe dialogue is happening and we believe the right decisions will be made.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd none of that will change our commitment to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n Ford initially committed to F1 during a period when electrification was becoming increasingly central to the championship\u2019s technical direction, but Rushbrook explained the company\u2019s evolving road car strategy has left it open to a broader range of engine concepts.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would [appeal to us],\u201d he said of a potential return to V8 power.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat we\u2019ve seen in the way that Ford approaches our vehicles, especially in recent years as the standards and requirements for passenger cars have become much more regional, is that we have full combustion engines, hybrids of different architectures, different balance of ICE versus electric, and full electric.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to be prepared to offer those in different markets around the world, so we have a full library of that.\u201d<\/p>\n Rushbrook added that Ford\u2019s decision to step back from plans to phase out combustion-only road cars had strengthened its flexibility in motorsport discussions.<\/p>\n \u201cThat gives us a lot of different options as we go racing in different series, including Formula 1,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can still make the racing relevant to what we design, develop, sell to our customers.<\/p>\n \u201cWe love the V8 idea because we have a lot of V8s that we sell.<\/p>\n \u201cWe love an electrification element to it as well, because we have a lot of hybrid vehicles.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd whether it\u2019s 50-50, 60-40 or 90-10, we\u2019re still going to be learning about that integration of combustion and electric.\u201d<\/p>\n Rushbrook also stressed Ford remained satisfied with the incoming 2026 regulations despite ongoing debate around the new engine package.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were happy with the rules that we have now and with making the adjustments,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re still getting great value out of it.<\/p>\n \u201cBut like I said, we\u2019ve got that ability with our portfolio of powertrains that we can make a lot of different things make sense for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Ford is not alone among American manufacturers in supporting the idea, with General Motors president Mark Reuss also indicating Cadillac would embrace a return to V8 engines if F1 ultimately heads in that direction.<\/p>\n \u201cI love V8s and the way they sound,\u201d Reuss said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut we\u2019re very respectful, as one of the newer teams, of the investment that was made in the V6 hybrids.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, if Formula 1 and FIA and the teams say that we\u2019re going to, we\u2019ll be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n The prospect of a V8 comeback has also received backing from several key figures within the paddock, including Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies.<\/p>\n