Ford confirms return to Formula One with deal to partner with Red Bull’s in-house engine division

Ford has confirmed its plans to return to Formula One when new engine regulations are introduced in 2026.

The return of the American auto giants means that the famous Blue Oval badge will once again grace the grill from the 2026 campaign, some 20 years after its last appearance in 2004.

The US automakers will partner with reigning world champion Red Bull through its in-house engine division, Red Bull Powertrains, the company established to build future engines for Christian Horner’s team and sister team AlphaTauri.

Ford’s comeback will come as Formula One switches to fully sustainable fuel and more electrical use from the 2026 season following a revamp of regulations.

The news was confirmed at Red Bull’s 2023 season launch in New York on Friday, where Ford CEO Jim Farley said: “We saw many options as good businessmen and wanted to go in the direction that was authentic for us.” .

Ford to partner with Red Bull Powertrains, the team’s in-house engine division, on return to F1

“So we decided to have a strategic partnership and a technical partnership with Red Bull Powertrains to enter Formula 1 in 2026.

‘We want to help Christian [Horner] and its fantastic drivers, the entire Red Bull Racing team to give their best on the track. It’s a great time for the Ford Family. We have almost 200,000 employees around the world and we are very excited to engage a whole new generation of customers with our electric vehicles.

‘It’s a big problem for us. We are very excited about the sustainable direction of the sport. We are on the same mission at Ford. And we can’t wait to go racing with you.

Ahead of the launch, Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company CEO, echoed Farley’s excitement, saying: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter in Ford’s motorsports history that began when my great grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that helped launch our company.

“Ford is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”

Stefano Domenicali, F1 Chairman and CEO, said: “Today’s news that Ford will be coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in the Formula 1”.

“Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the tremendous value our platform offers with more than half a billion fans around the world.

Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels into F1 cars from 2026 is also a major reason for his decision to enter F1.

Ford CEO Jim Farley (right) pictured with F1 Chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

The news was confirmed at the Red Bull 2023 launch, where he unveiled his new car (above).

“We believe our sport provides the opportunity and scope like no other and we can’t wait to see the Ford logo race on iconic F1 circuits from 2026.”

Formula One’s governing body formally kicked off a process on Thursday that could see new teams enter the championship as early as 2025.

Ford’s comeback comes after they sold their Jaguar team to Red Bull for a dollar in 2004. Since then they have focused on other categories, including World Rally Championship and sports cars.

But a surge in F1’s popularity has revived Ford’s interest and Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, recently hinted at the company’s plans when he said Formula One “requires consideration”.

Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, had hinted at the plans

Ford previously owned the Jaguar team (above) before selling it to Red Bull in 2004

He added: ‘What they have done well is create great races and great competition. It’s still the pinnacle, and they’ve been able to reach new audiences with things like Netflix’s Drive to Survive.

The announcement follows a similar move by rival General Motors and its Cadillac brand to partner with Andretti Autosport, which is seeking to become Formula One’s 11th team.

The American expansion of the sport sees Las Vegas added to the calendar this year, complementing races in Miami and Austin.

Red Bull established its Powertrains division in Milton Keynes to address Honda’s “withdrawal” from Formula One in 2021. The intention is to be self-sufficient within a few years. However, Honda must still supply the team with engines until the end of 2025.

Red Bulls team principal Christian Horner with the trophy at Yas Marina Circuit in 2021

American automakers have a rich history in the sport, dating back to the 1960s and the DFV (Double Four Valve) engine, built in association with British engineering firm Cosworth, which scored 155 victories in 262 races between 1967 and 1985.

Ford has played a role in 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ championships, making it the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history.

His first title victories came with Graham Hill and Lotus in 1968, while his last was in 1994 with Michael Schumacher and Benetton.