Why Ford 'loves the V8 idea' in F1 amid changing road car strategy

While 2026 marks the beginning of the current regulatory cycle, a focus on the subsequent generation of power units has already begun. Initial tweaks to the existing ruleset have been agreed upon, with the balance of power shifting to a 60-40 split in favour of the internal combustion engine (ICE) for next year. However, long-term considerations are pointing towards more fundamental changes, reflecting a broader strategic re-evaluation within the sport.

The prospect of a significant regulatory overhaul was brought into sharp focus by Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in an April interview with Motorsport.com. Domenicali highlighted concerns that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) had exerted excessive influence over the formulation of the current 2026 regulations. He suggested that future rule sets would likely adopt a different approach, potentially featuring a V8 engine powered by 100% sustainable fuels, coupled with a significantly reduced electrical component. This statement resonated deeply within the paddock, signaling a possible departure from the highly complex, expensive hybrid units that have characterized the sport for the past decade.

Further solidifying this direction, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem declared in Miami that the return of a V8 engine to Formula 1 was "only a matter of time." Ben Sulayem indicated the FIA’s intention to steer towards such an architecture by 2031, with active explorations underway to potentially accelerate this timeline by a year. The sentiment from F1’s leadership suggests a desire to address criticism regarding the current power units’ cost, complexity, and perceived lack of auditory spectacle, while maintaining a commitment to environmental responsibility through sustainable fuels.

The immediate question following these pronouncements revolved around manufacturer support for such a radical shift. Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Principal Toto Wolff had previously indicated that Mercedes would be receptive to the idea, provided the transition was managed in a "structured" manner and maintained some level of electrical component. Ford, however, has expressed particularly strong enthusiasm for the proposed changes.

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In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook articulated the company’s positive stance. "For the future, the next set of regulations, I think the sport has taken the right approach to engage the stakeholders of what’s important and what’s at play. Everything that we’ve been part of, what we see in here, is encouraging to us," Rushbrook stated. He emphasized Ford’s commitment to Formula 1, asserting, "The dialogue is happening and we believe the right decisions will be made. And none of that will change our commitment to be here."

This positive outlook extends specifically to the concept of a V8 engine operating on sustainable fuels with a reduced electrical contribution. Rushbrook explained that such a power unit would "appeal to us" due to Ford’s diverse global product strategy. "What we’ve 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," he elaborated. This approach has led Ford to develop a comprehensive "library" of powertrain solutions to cater to varied market demands worldwide.

Ford’s road car strategy has undergone a notable evolution in recent years. Initially, the company had outlined aggressive plans to transition predominantly to electric vehicles, particularly in certain markets like Europe. However, this stance has been recalibrated to acknowledge the ongoing global demand for internal combustion engine vehicles and various hybrid solutions. This strategic flexibility in its automotive portfolio, spanning traditional ICE, multiple hybrid configurations, and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), positions Ford uniquely at the F1 negotiating table.

"That gives us a lot of different options as we go racing in different series, including Formula 1," Rushbrook noted. He underscored the direct relevance of a V8 in F1 to Ford’s commercial interests: "We can still make the racing relevant to what we design, develop, sell to our customers. We love the V8 idea because we have a lot of V8s that we sell." This comment highlights the commercial alignment, particularly given Ford’s significant presence in markets where V8 engines remain popular, such as North America, powering iconic vehicles like the Mustang and F-Series trucks.

Beyond the V8, Ford also maintains a strong interest in the electrification element, irrespective of the precise ICE-to-electric ratio. "We love an electrification element to it as well, because we have a lot of hybrid vehicles," Rushbrook affirmed. "And whether it’s 50-50, 60-40 or 90-10, we’re still going to be learning about that integration of combustion and electric. We’re very open to that, also to help with the racing on the track. And again, it wouldn’t change our approach or our commitment. We’re happy with the discussions for the future." This stance suggests that Ford values the technological transfer and research opportunities presented by F1’s advanced hybrid systems, even if the balance shifts away from the current 50% electrical power.

The 2026 regulations, which Ford is poised to enter with Red Bull Powertrains, mandate a new V6 turbo-hybrid engine architecture with an increased electrical component (50% of total power, up from roughly 20% currently) and a commitment to 100% sustainable fuels. This upcoming challenge sees Ford providing technical expertise in battery technology, electric motors, and control software, while Red Bull Powertrains handles the combustion engine development. The potential for a subsequent shift to a V8, while seemingly a reversal of direction, aligns with Ford’s adaptable "library" of powertrains and its refreshed view on global automotive trends.

Ford’s involvement in Formula 1, announced in February 2023, marks its return to the pinnacle of motorsport after more than two decades. The partnership with Red Bull is a strategic move designed to leverage the sport’s burgeoning global popularity and technological innovation. The company’s commitment to F1 is unwavering, even as discussions about future engine regulations evolve.

Rushbrook concluded by emphasizing the existing value derived from Ford’s current F1 engagement, despite ongoing debates surrounding technical regulations. "We were happy with the rules that we have now and with making the adjustments. We’re still getting great value out of it," he stated. "But like I said, we’ve got that ability with our portfolio of powertrains that we can make a lot of different things make sense for us."

From both a commercial and technological relevance standpoint, Ford’s Formula 1 venture has, according to Rushbrook, already exceeded initial expectations. "And probably even more than that. We’ve enjoyed more of that than we ever envisioned when we started three and a half years ago, and we still benefit from that greatly," he affirmed. This strong positive sentiment from Ford indicates that the allure of Formula 1, coupled with the flexibility of its evolving road car strategy, positions the American giant to embrace significant changes in the sport’s future, including a potential return to the iconic V8 engine. The prospect of simpler, more audibly engaging engines running on sustainable fuels could mark a new era for Formula 1, appealing to both manufacturers and a global fanbase.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.