Porsche, which wanted to enter the Formula 1 series together with Audi, was grinding its teeth for a long time on this connection. But after a long courtship, everything fell apart, and for a while it even seemed that Red Bull would produce its own engines from 2026. But then again, everything is different.
“It’s fantastic to welcome Ford back to Formula 1,” Red Bull boss Christian Horner told a press conference. “The ability to benefit from Ford’s experience puts us in a good position as an independent manufacturer against the competition. They are a manufacturer with a rich history of motoring and have already achieved a lot in Formula 1.”
Ford was active in Formula 1 through the Cosworth brand
It would be easy to overlook the Ford brand in Formula 1, but you would be wrong. Despite an eighteen-year absence from the series, Ford remains the third most successful engine manufacturer in the history of the sport! His engines won ten constructors’ titles and thirteen drivers’ titles. A total of 174 grand prizes. But the truth is that the last time it was in 1994, when a certain Michael Schumacher won the title with his unit on Benetton.
Why Ford wants back in F1
Ford wants to use the rule change planned for 2026 to return. From this season, the engines of the “e-bikes” will burn synthetic gasoline and the electrification of power units will be significantly strengthened. Ford, which will replace current engine supplier Honda in the team, will provide money and technical assistance – likely in the areas of battery cells, electric motor control technology and powertrains. He then wants to apply the acquired experience in road car projects.
“Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing is about where we are going as a company – more electric, software-defined, focused on modern vehicles and experiences,” said Jim Farley, president and CEO of the automaker. “Formula 1 will be an incredibly cost-effective platform for us to innovate, share ideas and technology, but also connect with tens of millions of new customers.”
No, this is not what Red Bull’s new single-seater will look like…
It is clear that Ford has high hopes for its association with Formula 1 and wants to take advantage of its ever-growing popularity, especially in the American market. There, F1 is growing mainly thanks to the successful Drive to Survive series on Netflix. Undoubtedly, he also sees this as an opportunity to gain maximum knowledge about synthetic fuels. And it is certainly also a reaction to the potential of arch-rival General Motors, which wants to enter Formula 1 at the same time with the Cadillac brand in connection with the new F1 team. This is announced by Michael Andretti, son of 1978 F1 champion and four-time Indycar winner Mario Andretti.
Red Bull Ford Powertrains will supply powertrains for the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 until at least 2030. From this season, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will work to develop a powertrain that will be part of the new technical regulations, including a 350kW electric motor and a new internal combustion engine capable of using fully sustainable fuels. The new power unit will then be ready for the 2026 season.
It is also very likely that from 2026 Ford will be the only manufacturer to compete in racing disciplines from mainstream motorsports to Formula 1 including the WEC and IMSA, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Ford Mustang GT3, the WRC with the M-Sport FordPuma Hybrid Rally1, Baja 1000 with Ford Ranger Raptor and new Ford Bronco and NASCAR, NHRA and Supercars with Mustang.
Ford is then going to invest 50 billion dollars (hard to imagine more than 1.1 trillion CZK) to become the leader of the electric car revolution around the world. Thanks to the success of the F-150 Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E, it is the number two electric car market in the US and reigns supreme in many markets around the world with the E-Transit. Ford is working to meet increased customer demand, and as part of its Ford+ plan, it wants to produce 600,000 electric cars a year worldwide by the end of this year and two million electric cars a year by the end of 2026.
