Ford returns to Formula One racing by joining forces with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season, marking the American automotive giant’s much-anticipated comeback to the sport. This partnership will see Ford supplying power units as F1’s regulations evolve, signaling a strategic return after more than two decades away from the grid.
Ford’s Rich Legacy in Formula One Before the 2026 Return
Ford’s involvement in Formula One dates back to 1967 when it began funding Cosworth, the engine builder responsible for powering many F1 teams. This partnership powered iconic teams such as Lotus, Tyrrell, McLaren, and Williams through the 1960s to the 1980s, leading to numerous race victories. The Williams-Cosworth combination was especially formidable during the 1980s, securing multiple Constructors‘ Championships.
The V8 Cosworth engines backed by Ford were advanced for their time, featuring a double four-valve per cylinder setup that helped dominate F1 races throughout nearly two decades. Over this period, Cosworth engines won 155 races. Although their success declined with later V8 and V10 engines, which won only 21 additional races from the mid-1980s to early 2000s, the company left a significant mark on the sport.
Ford’s initial era in Formula One culminated at the end of 2004 when it ended its involvement by selling the Jaguar F1 team to Red Bull. Across their tenure, the engines funded by Ford achieved a total of 176 race wins and captured 10 Constructors‘ and 13 Drivers‘ Championships, evidencing their integral role in the sport’s history.
Factors Behind Ford’s Decision to Partner with Red Bull for Their F1 Return
Ford’s decision to re-enter Formula One alongside Red Bull Racing emerged after discussions initiated by Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal and CEO. Mark Rushbrook, Ford Motorsports Director, revealed that their interest grew when it became apparent that Red Bull’s partnership with Porsche was not succeeding as expected, prompting Ford to reach out directly to Horner.
“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,”
—Mark Rushbrook, Ford Motorsports Director
The partnership is particularly significant as Red Bull prepares to introduce new powertrains aligned with 2026 engine regulations, marking the beginning of a new competitive era within Formula One. Ford’s involvement as a power unit partner will be crucial to Red Bull’s ambitions as they seek to continue their dominance in the sport.
The Significance of Ford’s Reentry into Formula One Racing
Ford’s re-engagement in Formula One demonstrates a broader trend of historic automotive brands returning to the sport amid revolutionary regulatory changes. For Ford, this comeback not only reconnects the brand to its racing heritage but also signals a commitment to innovation within a highly competitive environment. The partnership with Red Bull places Ford at the forefront of new powertrain technologies for F1’s future.
As Formula One transitions to the 2026 regulations, the collaboration between Ford and Red Bull is poised to influence the competitive landscape significantly, with fans and industry observers keenly watching how the American manufacturer’s expertise will contribute to Red Bull’s quest for further championships. This move may also encourage other legacy automotive companies to reconsider their roles in motorsports, potentially reshaping F1’s manufacturer dynamics in the years ahead.