Porsche’s stalled negotiations to enter Formula 1 with Red Bull have created an opening for a surprise name.
Ford is reportedly exploring a deal with Red Bull to enter the series in 2026.
- It’s unclear what form the collaboration would take: Red Bull’s powertrains are currently supplied by Honda, but it plans to supply its own power units when its current deal expires at the end of 2025.
- Red Bull principal Christian Horner has stressed the value of having the team manufacture both its power unit and chassis, but has also expressed openness to working with another auto manufacturer in some capacity.
- Porsche was reportedly close to purchasing half of the Red Bull team in 2026, but the F1 champions nixed the deal over concerns it would lose too much control of its operations.
Ford raced in F1 with Jaguar from 2000 to 2004, eventually selling the team to Red Bull.
Andretti Closing In?
Meanwhile, a name with a storied F1 history could be nearing a return to the track. Michael Andretti, a former F1 driver and son of F1 champion Mario Andretti, said his group could be nearing approval to join the series as an 11th team.
The Andretti family would finance an F1 entrance with help from the 1001 Group, which includes Los Angeles Dodgers principal owner Guggenheim Baseball Management. The series requires a $200 million entry fee to help offset revenue dilution for other teams.
Andretti Autosport already has teams in IndyCar, Formula E, Extreme E, and several other series.
