Notoriety and sustainability have lured Ford back into Formula 1.
The storied Michigan-based carmaker will team with Red Bull starting in 2026, when new engine regulations kick in.
- Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will collaborate to build F1 power units for the Red Bull Racing and Alpha Tauri teams, both owned by Red Bull.
- The automaker said it “will provide expertise in areas including battery cell and electric motor technology as well as power unit control software and analytics.”
- F1 president Stefano Domenicali cited F1’s “half a billion fans around the world” and “commitment to net-zero carbon by 2030” as key reasons for Ford’s entry.
Red Bull was previously in talks on a similar deal with Porsche, but those broke down over Red Bull’s reticence to sell half of its Powertrains company. Red Bull currently works with Honda in a deal that runs through the 2025 season.
Ford last raced in F1 in 2004. The company, which won 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ championships, will join the reigning F1 champions.
Coming to America
Ford’s entry is the latest move by an American brand into F1. Moneygram inked a title sponsorship with Haas beginning this year — Haas principal Guenther Steiner told Front Office Sports that the team specifically targeted American companies.
Williams is adding American driver Logan Sargeant in the coming season and is rumored to be eyeing sponsorships with American companies, including Gulf.
