The co-founder and CEO of YouTube bankrolled the disastrously ill-fated USF1, and is quoted on Friday as telling the Financial Times: "I was willing to bet on a horse, but they didn't even have a horse."

Hurley's aide Parris Mullins said recently he is exploring "other ways" of entering F1, amid Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo's claim he would like to see a "third Ferrari managed by an American team".

Mullins was in the Montreal paddock two weeks ago for talks with Bernie Ecclestone, reportedly representing a full group of investors.

During Friday's FT interview, Hurley was asked specifically about the speculation linking his group with a Ferrari-supported F1 foray.

"They'd be great to work with but I don't know when that would be, whether it will even be an option on the table," he answered.