GM Issues Clear Response to FIA V8 Plan Amid Cadillac F1 Engine Push

General Motors has signaled it would be ready for a return to V8 engines in Formula 1, even as its Cadillac team works toward launching its own power unit in 2029. The response comes amid growing talk from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem that a V8 formula is "coming" by 2030 or 2031.

Why it matters:

The potential shift back to V8s—with minimal electrification—could reshape F1's engine landscape just as new manufacturers like GM and Ford are entering the sport. GM's willingness to adapt signals flexibility, but also raises questions about the timing of its massive investment in a hybrid V6.

The details:

• GM president Mark Reuss told The Detroit News: "I love V8s and … the way they sound. But we’re very respectful of the investment that was made in the V6 hybrids. So, if Formula 1 and FIA and the teams say we’re going to return to a V8, we’ll be ready."
• Ford Racing global director Mark Rushbrook echoed the sentiment: "As a company that makes a lot of naturally aspirated V8s, we would love to see a V8 here."
• Red Bull also welcomes the V8 idea, while Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has warned against abandoning electrification entirely.
• Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss confirmed that the first GM-built power unit remains on track for 2029, regardless of potential regulation changes. "The focus is still 2029," he said.

Looking ahead:

• The FIA has already agreed to shift the engine split toward more internal combustion for 2027, but a full V8 move is still years away.
• GM's ability to pivot quickly could be aided by its extensive experience building naturally aspirated V8s for road cars.
• For now, Cadillac sits 10th in the Constructors' standings, with Valtteri Bottas scoring a best finish of 13th in China. The team's long-term trajectory will depend on both its own power unit and the final shape of F1's engine rules.