Ford joins the 2026 grid with Red Bull to compete against other renowned brands, such as Audi, Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, Alpine, Aston Martin… how good does this new F1 sound!
What was an open secret is confirmed: Ford will return to Formula 1. The American manufacturer will collaborate with Red Bull in the design and development of the engine that they and AlphaTauri will use from the 2026 season, when the new technical regulations.
Red Bull, after the departure of Honda from Formula 1 officially at the end of 2021 and the failed negotiations with Porsche, was looking for a renowned manufacturer with which to compete in the premier class with both a technical and sponsorship agreement. And Ford has been the chosen partner.
The brand, which currently participates in the World Rally Championship with its own official team, has experience in the development of hybrid engines, both on the street and in competition.
That’s something that has been key for Red Bull Powertrains, the Red Bull division that develops the engines and now manages the use of Honda technology. Ford will bring expertise in areas including battery cell and electric motor technology, as well as power unit analysis and control software.
Ford has the honor of being the manufacturer of the most successful engine in the history of F1, the Ford Cosworth DFV V8, which began to be used in the late 1960s and was used until the 1980s, achieving no less than 155 victories. Ford, with the Cosworth V10, continued to be present in F1 until 2004, when its engine was used for the last time.
From their first title with Graham Hill and Lotus in 1968 to their most recent with Michael Schumacher and Benetton in 1994, Ford has been instrumental in winning 10 constructors’ and 13 drivers’ championships, making them the third largest engine manufacturer in the world. most successful in the history of F1.
“This is the start of an exciting new chapter in Ford’s motorsport history, which began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that helped launch our company,” said Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company CEO.
“Ford returns 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.”
“Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing reflects where we are headed as a company – focusing on modern, increasingly electric and software-powered vehicles and experiences,” said Jim Farley, Ford Chairman and CEO. Motor Company.
“F1 will be an incredibly profitable platform to innovate, share ideas and technologies, as well as connect with tens of millions of new customers,” he added.
The new Ford engine for F1 will be even more efficient than the current engines, since according to the new 2026 regulations, electric technology will have greater importance and sustainable fuels will be used
For Ford, the return to the premier class means entering a competition that is growing exponentially in its place of origin, the United States and America, which is also a key market. Here there will be, from 2023, three Formula 1 races, in Austin, Miami and Las Vegas.
It should be noted that Ford will return, in a way, to what was his home, since what is now Red Bull, in the past was Jaguar Grand Prix until 2004… and this brand was owned by Ford until it was sold. in 2008.
We don’t know much more about Red Bull and Ford’s plans for 2026 onwards, but it is clear that Max Verstappen will be one of their drivers, since the Dutchman has a contract until the end of 2028.
