Rumors surrounding Ford’s potential return to Formula 1 racing have swirled for some time now, but recently intensified back in December when a report surfaced indicating that the automaker was eyeing a partnership with Red Bull Racing (RBR). That particular team has been utilizing Honda engines for a few years now, but its contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Adding fuel to the fire, Ford Performance head Mark Rushbrook later said that such a move “definitely requires consideration,” and as Ford Authority reported earlier this week, an announcement on that particular topic was expected any day now. Now, that’s precisely what has happened, as Ford itself has confirmed that it will indeed return to Formula 1 in 2026.
“This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather won a race that helped launch our company,” said Bill Ford, executive chair. “Ford 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.”
Ford dominated F1 racing back in the 1960s and 1970s, and even though it left the sport back in 2004, The Blue Oval remains the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history with 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ championships. Now, with Formula 1 arguably more popular than ever – largely thanks to the success of the Netflix series Drive to Survive – the automaker is set to give it another go, though it hasn’t yet revealed in what capacity – rather, that information is set to be revealed later this morning.
“The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1,” said Stefano Domenicali, President, and CEO of Formula 1. “Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world. Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in the F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for their decision to enter F1. We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”
“There are few manufacturers who have such a celebrated motor sport history as Ford, so to see them coming back to the FIA Formula One World Championship is excellent news,” added FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “It further underlines the success of the 2026 Power Unit Regulations that have at their heart a commitment to both sustainability and spectacle, and of course having more interest from the United States is important for the continued growth of the world’s top motor sport category.”
We’ll have more on Ford’s return to F1 soon, so sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford motorsports news and ongoing Ford news coverage.
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