American giants Ford Motor has confirmed its return to F1 as engine suppliers from 2026 season onward.
After speculation of Ford making its return, F1 together with the American giants have confirmed their entry from the 2026 season onward when the new power unit regulation kicks in. It is rumoured to be a partner to Red Bull for its return.
Red Bull is set for its 2023 livery launch from New York in due course of time and they are out of an engine partner beyond 2025. Even though they have ‘Red Bull Powertrains’ registered, they need a partner to sustain its longterm plans.
They held talks with Porsche which didn’t work out and it seems like they are not keen to continue on with Honda beyond the current deal until the 2025 season. For Ford, it is a big return to F1 when the sport is reaching its peak especially in the American market.
They last competed in F1 in 2004 when they partnered with Cosworth. During their tenure, they have won titles too with 10 constructors’ and 13 drivers’ against their name. The current hybrid engine formula has enticed Audi already as Ford joins the list.
“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,” said F1 chief Stefano Domenicali. “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.
“Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in the F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for their decision to enter F1. We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”
At the same time, Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company, commented: “This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] 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.”
And finally, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “There are few manufacturers who have such a celebrated motor sport history as Ford, so to see them coming back to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is excellent news.
“It further underlines the success of the 2026 Power Unit Regulations that have at their heart a commitment to both sustainability and spectacle, and of course having more interest from the United States is important for the continued growth of the world’s top motor sport category.”
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