Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has touched on several Formula 1-related topics during Tuesday’s conference call, held as part of the company’s presentation of its first-quarter financial results.
Ferrari, Formula 1 remains profitable
During the traditional conference call in which Ferrari comments on its quarterly earnings, there was also room for reflections from CEO Benedetto Vigna regarding Formula 1.
The racing division proved once again to be profitable for Maranello in the first quarter of 2026. In the official document, it is stated that “revenues related to competitions increased further during the quarter, mainly thanks to higher sponsorship income and the positive contribution from engine supply to other Formula 1 teams.”
Vigna on F1 results: “Encouraging signs”
Reiterating comments made a few weeks earlier, Benedetto Vigna stated:
“Moving on to competitions, we have started the 2026 season with podium finishes, both in Formula 1 – where we see the first encouraging signs of our progress under the new regulations – and in the World Endurance Championship, which began in Imola, our home race.”
After four championship events in Formula 1, Ferrari currently sits second in the Constructors’ Championship, 70 points behind Mercedes.
Vigna on V8 engines: “The discussion has been ongoing for some time”
During the call, an analyst raised an interesting question regarding Formula 1 and the company’s long-term hybrid strategy:
“There is a renewed push in Formula 1 and with the FIA to return to V8 engines with a reduced electric and hybrid component by 2030. This represents somewhat of a reversal compared to the current 50:50 engines. Some other manufacturers agree with this idea. What is your view on how this could influence Ferrari’s long-term thinking regarding hybrid and electric road cars?”
Vigna does not believe that FIA and Formula 1 strategies will alter the group’s short-term plans:
“We believe in continuing with a three-motor propulsion system. We were already aware of these discussions with the FIA; they have been ongoing for some time. I think there is certainly a need to review things every five years, as is done with FIA regulations, but there will be no implications. There will be no implications for road cars nor for our strategies.”
In recent weeks, not only Mercedes and Toto Wolff, but also Ford and General Motors have clearly expressed their support for the idea of a return to V8 engines. Audi, with Mattia Binotto, has instead appeared more doubtful.
The financial and competitive stability of Ferrari provides a solid foundation as the sport contemplates its next major technical evolution beyond 2026. While the “three-pillar” strategy remains the north star for Maranello’s road car division, Vigna’s confirmation of ongoing V8 talks suggests that Ferrari is keeping a seat at the table to ensure any regulatory shift aligns with the brand’s heritage of high-performance internal combustion. As the 2026 championship battle intensifies, the dialogue between the Scuderia and the FIA will be pivotal in shaping a future that balances sustainability with the visceral engine notes fans have long campaigned for.
