Ford returns to F1 and here's why
DETROIT, MI – On February 3, at the Red Bull Racing's 2023 team and car launch in New York, team boss Christian Horner annouced that Ford will supply their engines for Red Bull and AlphaTauri starting 2026 season onwards, after their deal with Honda will be ended by the end of 2025 season. Based around the current turbocharged 1.6-litre power unit, F1's future engine regulations will feature increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels, while also improving safety and lowering costs for manufacturers.
A giant of both the motorsport world and the automotive industry, Ford are set to provide expertise in several areas of development "including battery cell and electric motor technology as well as power unit control software and analytics".
"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," said Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company.
"Ford, alongside world champions, Oracle Red Bull Racing, 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."
Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company, commented: "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."
Horner added: "It’s fantastic to be welcoming Ford back into Formula 1 through this partnership. As an independent engine manufacturer to have the ability to benefit from an OEM’s experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition.
"They are a manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations. From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the lineage speaks for itself. For us as Red Bull Powertrains to open the next chapter of that dynasty, as Red Bull Ford, is tremendously exciting.
"2026 is still a while a way but for us the work already starts as we look to a new future and a continued evolution of Oracle Red Bull Racing."
- Ford's previous F1 history
Ford was heavily involved in Formula One for many years and supplied engines to a large number of teams from 1967 until 2004. These engines were designed and manufactured by Cosworth, the racing division that was owned by Ford from 1998 to 2004. Ford-badged engines won 176 Grands Prix between 1967 and 2003 for teams such as Benetton, Team Lotus and McLaren. Ford entered Formula One as a constructor in 2000 under the Jaguar Racing name, after buying the Stewart Grand Prix team which had been its primary 'works' team in the series since 1997. Jaguar achieved little success in Formula One, and after a turbulent five seasons, Ford withdrew from the category after the 2004 season, selling both Jaguar Racing (which became Red Bull Racing) and Cosworth (to Gerald Forsythe and Kevin Kalkhoven).
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