News coming from the world of motorsport is that Ford is returning to F1. The announcement came just a short while ago. Ford’s involvement in the sport stretches back to the 1960s. The Blue Oval it used to supply its famous DFV V8 engine to several teams.  Despite leaving the sport in 2004, Ford remains the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history. It has netted 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ championships.

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It is believed that Ford will partner with Red Bull Racing. Red Bull Ford will provide the power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 to at least 2030. This will end the long-standing relationship that RBR has enjoyed with Honda in recent times. Ford is the second new entrant after Audi announced that it would partner with Sauber in F1.

RBR was courting Porsche as an engine partner. However the German automaker was looking for a partnership deal. Porsche published a statement to outline why the talks broke down. The premise was always that a partnership would be based on an equal footing, which would include not only an engine partnership but also the team. This could not be achieved. With the finalised rule changes, the racing series nevertheless remains an attractive environment for Porsche, which will continue to be monitored.

Starting from 2023, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will work to develop the power unit that will be part of the new technical regulations, including a 350 kW electric motor and a new combustion engine able to accept fully sustainable fuels, ready for the 2026 season.

In Their Own Words

“The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport. We are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1,” said Stefano Domenicali, president, and CEO of Formula 1.

“Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world. We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”

“This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather won a race that helped launch our company,” said Bill Ford, executive chair. “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.”