Ferrari addresses the possibility of a V8 return to Formula 1 amid ongoing FIA engine discussions – Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has confirmed that the company is in ongoing discussions with the FIA regarding Formula 1’s future engine regulations, including the potential return of V8 engines.
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has confirmed that discussions with the FIA regarding the future direction of Formula 1 engine regulations have been taking place ‘for some time’, amid increasing speculation over a potential return to V8 power units in the sport.
Ferrari confirms ongoing FIA talks over V8 return to Formula 1
These comments were made during Ferrari’s first-quarter 2026 financial results conference call reported by several Italian outlets, including FormulaPassion.it, during which the Italian manufacturer outlined its commercial strength, racing ambitions and long-term technological strategy.
While Ferrari reaffirmed its commitment to hybrid and electric development, Vigna made it clear that the company is fully engaged in the ongoing discussions about the future of Formula 1 powertrains.
The debate over future engine regulations intensified after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently indicated his openness to revisiting naturally aspirated V8 engines as part of Formula 1’s long-term future beyond the current rules cycle.
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Ferrari remains committed to its hybrid strategy despite the V8 speculation
Despite the growing discussion around a possible return to V8 engines, Ferrari has stressed that these discussions will not affect the company’s broader technical roadmap.
“We believe in continuing the three-engine strategy (thermal, hybrid, and electric),” Vigna explained during the shareholder call.
“We were already aware of these discussions with the FIA, which have been ongoing for some time. I think there is certainly a need to review some aspects every five years, as happens with the FIA regulations, but there will be no implications. There will be no implications for our road cars or strategy.”
This statement provides valuable insight into Ferrari’s stance as Formula 1 prepares for the introduction of new power unit regulations in 2027. These are expected to increase the electrical contribution of the engines while also introducing fully sustainable fuels.
However, concerns remain within parts of the paddock regarding the complexity and cost of the current hybrid systems. This has led to renewed conversations about whether Formula 1 should simplify the engine formula again in future, potentially with lighter, louder, naturally aspirated V8s powered by sustainable fuels.
Ferrari’s stance suggests that the Maranello-based team is prepared for either option, while maintaining its focus on staying technologically relevant across combustion, hybrid and fully electric platforms.
Ferrari sees encouraging signs under the new F1 regulations
Alongside the engine discussion, Ferrari reflected positively on its start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The team achieved podium finishes in the first three races, but then struggled at the Miami Grand Prix. Nevertheless, Ferrari believes there are signs of progress under the latest regulations.
“We started the 2026 season with podiums in both F1 and the WEC, where we are seeing the first encouraging signs of our progress with the new regulations,” said Vigna.
Ferrari’s improved competitiveness has also translated into stronger commercial performance. The manufacturer confirmed that revenues from racing activities had increased during the first quarter, boosted by growth in sponsorship and in customer engine supply agreements.
As well as operating its own Formula 1 team, Ferrari currently supplies power units to the Haas F1 Team and the incoming Cadillac Formula 1 Team project, replacing Sauber as a Ferrari customer operation ahead of Audi’s full factory entry.
The company also highlighted its strong performances in the FIA World Endurance Championship, including achieving pole position and coming second at the 6 Hours of Imola.
Ferrari posted strong financial results despite global pressures
Away from the racetrack, Ferrari reported another strong financial quarter despite ongoing geopolitical and logistical challenges affecting global markets.
The company posted a net profit of €413 million in Q1 2026, surpassing analyst expectations. Revenues increased by 3% to €1.848 billion, despite a slight decline in total shipments to 3,436 vehicles.
Ferrari attributed this success to a stronger product mix and continued demand for high-end customisation from customers.
Vigna also addressed operational challenges linked to tensions in the Middle East, explaining that Ferrari’s global distribution model had enabled the company to maintain stable deliveries in affected regions.
“In the current environment, agility is key, and thanks to the flexibility of our geographic allocation, our deliveries in the region have remained stable,” he stated.
“This was possible thanks to our global presence and a careful allocation strategy that ensures speed in all markets.’
Ferrari confirmed that its order book now extends to the end of 2027, providing the company with significant confidence despite wider uncertainty across the automotive industry.
Ferrari is preparing for the launch of its first fully electric road car
Another major talking point from the conference call was Ferrari’s preparations for the launch of its first fully electric road car, the Ferrari Luce.
The new model will be officially presented in Rome on 25 May and is being positioned internally as a landmark moment for the company.
Vigna described the project as representing more than just Ferrari’s first EV.
“La Luce is much more than a model and much more than electric; it is the perfect embodiment of our ambition to redefine what is possible,” he explained.
“It is the convergence of incredible technologies and the passion of so many people.”
Ferrari believes that the project represents a fusion of its traditional performance DNA with technology developed through its experience in motorsport, including its expertise in Formula 1 hybrid technology.
The timing is particularly significant, given the ongoing debate in Formula 1 about balancing sustainability, entertainment, cost control and technical innovation. Ferrari’s participation in discussions regarding the future of V8 engines illustrates how manufacturers are striving to strike a balance while safeguarding both sporting relevance and road-car development priorities.
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Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
