If any further proof were needed of F1’s soaring popularity in the US, here we are: Ford is coming back to grid. Not since 2004 has the Blue Oval played any involvement in Formula One, back when Ford had bought Jackie Stewart’s team and renamed it Jaguar for the early 21st century. It will be back in F1 for the 2026 season, partnering with Red Bull. They will work together on the next generation of hybrid power unit that will be used by Scuderia AlphaTauri as well as Oracle Red Bull Racing from 2026.
As well as the burgeoning popularity of the sport in the USA, with three races in the States this year for the very first time, the future of F1 has also played a part in the decision. Ford has made no secret of its huge electrification push, banking its future success on battery power; that F1 will use a 350kW motor as well as a new engine running sustainable fuel from 2026, and pledges to be net zero carbon by 2030, aligns well with Dearborn sees its production cars heading. Don't just take it from us - Ford's CEO and President, Jim Farley, reckons so as well. “Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing is all about where we are going as a company– increasingly electric, software-defined, modern vehicles and experiences... “F1 will be an incredibly cost-effective platform to innovate, share ideas and technologies, and engage with tens of millions of new customers.”
Plus, well, Formula 1 is cool - more so now than it has been for a while, it could be argued. Ford can trade on some enviable heritage for its entry, moreover - lest we forget, it's still the third most successful engine manufacturer in the history of the sport.
Ford power claimed 10 Constructors’ and 13 Drivers’ championships over the years, which must hark back to the days of the Ford-Cosworth DFV. We think. Whatever the case, it’s a huge name to have back in the pitlane, shining additional light on Formula 1 more generally. You’d have to assume Red Bull will remain a force to be reckoned with in three seasons time as well - Max Verstappen will be at least 21 by then…
Bill Ford said of the announcement: “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… “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.” To which Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, added: “The news today that Ford is 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 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.” There’s that popularity and exposure point again; it’s a heck of a lot of people to show a brand off to, especially in emerging markets. You wouldn’t bank against that number being higher by 2026, too, especially with Audi joining Ford that season. Exciting times ahead for motorsport's flagship championship.
