The US automaker Ford returns to Formula 1 after more than 20 years. For the 2026 season, the traditional brand will again be part of the racing series that it dominated in the late 1960s and 1970s, Ford announced on Friday. After the deal between the Red Bull team and the Volkswagen subsidiary Porsche fell through last year, Ford will in future supply the squad led by two-time world champion Max Verstappen, as well as the sister team Alpha Tauri. The contract is valid until at least the end of 2030, as announced on Friday. Red Bull is currently developing its powertrains itself in collaboration with Honda at the Powertrains plant in Milton Keynes.
Ford CEO Bill Ford spoke of the start of an “exciting new chapter in Ford’s motorsport history.” You are returning to the premier class of motorsport. Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali and Fia President Mohammed bin Sulayem welcomed the American manufacturer. An important reason for Ford’s return is the electrification of the racing series. The desired CO2 neutrality from 2030 and the opening up of new markets, in particular the increased presence on the American home market, would have provided further arguments. Formula 1 is currently experiencing a boom worldwide, but especially in the USA. The racing series takes this into account: In the coming season there are three US races (Miami, Austin, Las Vegas) on the calendar. The American racing great Michael Andretti is also pushing into the starting field with General Motors (Cadillac). In Logan Sargeant (Williams), a US driver again has a regular cockpit.
Ford was last involved in Formula 1 in 2004 as the engine manufacturer for the Jordan team around German drivers Nick Heidfeld and Timo Glock. However, the brand with the blue oval has a proud tradition in the premier class. With a total of 176 Grand Prix victories, Ford is the third most successful engine manufacturer in the all-time list behind Ferrari (243) and Mercedes-Benz (212).
