Ford returns to Formula 1 by forming a partnership with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season, marking its comeback after more than two decades away from the sport. The American automotive giant, renowned for models such as the Mustang, will supply power units to the Milton Keynes-based team under the new F1 engine regulations set to begin in 2026.
Ford’s involvement in motorsport is historic and prolific, having won multiple prestigious events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and previous successes in Formula One spanning over 60 years. This collaboration with Red Bull signals Ford’s renewed commitment to compete at the highest level of racing.
Ford’s Past Role and Achievements in Formula One
Ford’s history in Formula One stretches back to 1967 when it began funding Cosworth, the engine manufacturer supplying many F1 teams. Notable teams such as Lotus, Tyrrell, McLaren, and Williams powered by Cosworth engines secured numerous victories from the mid-1960s through the 1980s. The Williams-Cosworth partnership was particularly dominant, claiming multiple Constructors‘ Championships during that decade.
The Cosworth V8 engines, financed by Ford, featured advanced technology with Double Four Valve per cylinder designs, making them one of the leading power units of their time. Over nearly twenty years, Cosworth engines took 155 wins. However, the transition to V8 and V10 engines yielded only 21 additional wins before Ford’s eventual exit from Formula One at the end of 2004, when they sold their Jaguar F1 team to Red Bull.
During this tenure, the engines funded by Ford contributed to 176 race victories, along with 10 Constructors‘ and 13 Drivers‘ Championships, underlining Ford’s significant impact on the sport’s competitive landscape.
Factors Behind Ford’s Decision to Partner with Red Bull
Mark Rushbrook, Ford Motorsports director, explained that Ford’s return to Formula One was sparked after being approached by Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal and CEO. Recognizing opportunities following Red Bull’s difficulties with Porsche in their power unit development, Ford initiated contact to explore a partnership.
“It became very clear that, at least from what we saw from the outside, it was not going to work for Red Bull with Porsche. I literally got Christian Horner’s email address, sent him an email, and said ‘Hi, do you want to talk?’” —Mark Rushbrook, Ford Motorsports Director
“If you would have asked me five years ago, and actually people did ask me, ‘Is Ford going to get back into Formula 1?’ then my answer was no. At the time we didn’t think that F1 was the right place for us, but certainly things have changed afterwards,”
This collaboration comes at a pivotal moment as Red Bull prepares to introduce its own powertrains under the new engine regulations commencing next season, transitioning into a new era for the team and Formula One as a whole.
Implications for the Future of Ford and Formula One
Ford’s return is expected to inject fresh competitive energy into the sport, combining Ford’s technical expertise and history with Red Bull’s current dominance. Their joint efforts with new power unit technology could reshape the landscape as Formula One enters a new regulatory cycle focused on innovation and sustainability.
As one of the most renowned brands in motorsport, Ford’s involvement could also reignite fan interest and broaden the sport’s appeal globally. The partnership will be closely watched as the 2026 season approaches, with expectations high for what this reinvigorated alliance can achieve on the grid.
