Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook has signaled strong support for Formula 1's potential return to V8 engines, a move that aligns with the American automaker's evolving road car strategy. With F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem openly discussing a V8 future – fueled by sustainable fuels and a reduced electrical component – Ford is keen. The FIA even aims for a V8 return by 2031, possibly sooner.
Rushbrook emphasized that Ford's diverse "library" of powertrains, from full combustion to hybrids and EVs, makes them highly flexible for any regulation shift. The company "loves the V8 idea" because of its direct relevance to their V8 road car sales and the continued learning from hybrid integration, regardless of the ICE-to-electric power balance. This American giant's firm stance adds significant weight to the V8 resurgence movement, suggesting a more powerful, relevant future for F1's power units.
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