Ford set to announce return to F1 in New York on Friday after agreeing a collaboration with Red Bull

The Ford brand returns to Formula One, with confirmation to be delivered at Red Bull’s 2023 season launch in New York on Friday.

Sportsmail understands that discussions on a collaboration between the two parties have been successful and an agreement has been signed.

Ford will partner with Red Bull Powertrains, the team’s in-house engine division, meaning the famous Blue Oval badge will return in 2026, when Formula One switches to fully sustainable fuel in a major regulations revamp.

But it is believed that Ford will not be looking to build its own power units and that the merger is mainly a marketing exercise for them.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and two-time world champion Max Verstappen, as well as his teammate Sergio Perez, have arrived in Manhattan ahead of the announcement. Also in attendance will be Ford chief executive Jim Farley and F1 boss Stefano Domenicali.

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 rise in the popularity of F1 has caused Ford to revive his interest. Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsports, recently hinted at the company’s plans when he said Formula One “requires consideration.”

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 American expansion of the sport sees Las Vegas added to the calendar this year, complementing races in Miami and Austin. Meanwhile, Andretti Autosport is eager to become Formula One’s 11th team and has joined forces with Ford’s rival General Motors through its Cadillac brand to strengthen its position.

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.