Ford Announces To Return To Formula1 With Red Bull Engine
A fresh chapter in Ford’s illustrious history in the sport will be added when the American company announced its plan to return to Formula 1 when new engine rules are adopted in 2026.
Ford’s involvement in Formula One date back to the 1960s and the development of the DFV (Double Four Valve) engine in collaboration with British engineering company Cosworth, which won 155 races out of a total of 262 between 1967 and 1985. (including several variant designs).
Ford has contributed to 10 function Object() { [native code] } titles and 13 drivers championships, from their first title wins with Graham Hill and Lotus in 1968 to their most recent with Michael Schumacher and Benetton in 1994, making them the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history.
20 years after their last appearance in 2004, Ford will return to the grid for the 2026 season due to the attractiveness of F1’s future engine rules, which include higher electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels.
“Ford Announces To Return To Formula1 is wonderful for the sport, and we are pleased to see them join the incredible automotive partners now in Formula 1,” said Stefano Domenicali, President, and CEO of F1.
“With more than half a billion followers worldwide, Ford is a global brand with a remarkable history in racing and the automotive industry. They see the tremendous value that our platform offers.
“Our aim to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and implementing sustainable fuels in F1 vehicles starting in 2026 is another key factor in their choice to compete in the sport.
Ford and Red Bull have announced a new technological alliance for 2026 and beyond.
“We think that our sport offers a potential and a reach that is unmatched by any other, and we can’t wait for the Ford logo to start racing around F1’s legendary circuits in 2026,” the statement reads.
“This marks the beginning of a fascinating new chapter in Ford’s racing legacy, which began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that assisted in the founding of our firm,” said Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company.
Ford is making a comeback to the top of the sport by bringing Ford’s long history of innovation, sustainability, and electrification to one of the most recognizable stages in the world.
Few manufacturers have a more illustrious history in motorsport than Ford, therefore it is fantastic news to see them returning to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
It “further underscores the success of the 2026 Power Unit Regulations, which have a dedication to both spectacle and sustainability at their core, and of course, having greater interest from the United States is crucial for the future expansion of the world’s premier motorsport category.”
Audi announced ambitions to enter Formula One starting in 2026, and Ford’s announcement comes after that. This week, the German automaker bought a minority investment in the Sauber business, which will serve as their works team.
