Ford is currently working on developing a new power unit in conjunction with Oracle Red Bull Racing that will debut in the 2026 Formula 1 season, marking the automaker’s return to the series after years of absence. However, The Blue Oval’s ties with that same entity go far deeper than this effort, as the two sides launched the new Ford Red Bull Academy Program as part of the 2024 F1 Academy season just this past March. The purpose of this program is to support grassroots female drivers and prepare them to progress to Formula 3 and beyond, fostering young talent along the way by giving drivers access to more track time, racing and testing, as well as support with technical, physical, and mental preparations, and now, that effort has been extended into next year.
FoMoCo will extend its status as title partner for the Red Bull Academy in 2025, the automaker has announced, which means that its branding will continue to feature heavily on vehicles, driver suits, and apparel. As part of this effort, U.S.-based driver Chloe Chambers will join team for the 2025 F1 Academy season, who brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously raced in single-seaters in USA F4 and W Series, and is currently driving in F1 Academy with Haas and Campos Racing. Chambers will also be participating in the final round of the 2024 IMSA Mustang Challenge – which will take place at the SRO Indianapolis 8 Hour Presented by AWS. In the F1 Academy series, drivers can only participate for two years before stepping in to their next phase, which means that current driver Emely de Heus will be departing after this season.
“I am thrilled to be driving for the Red Bull Ford Academy Program for the upcoming 2025 season,” Chambers said. “As an American driver, it is an honor to team up with an iconic American automotive company like Ford. It is a privilege to be partnering with the Red Bull Ford Academy Program to continue improving female representation in the sport, and I am grateful for the support to achieve my own career goals in motorsport. I am excited to take part in the Ford Mustang Challenge this week and to have more opportunities to race outside of my role in F1 Academy. My focus for the rest of the year remains on delivering performance with Haas, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter in 2025 with the Red Bull Ford Academy Program.”
“It’s so great to welcome Chloe to the Ford family as she joins the Red Bull Ford Academy Program,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsport. “Chloe is not only a real racing talent but also has the ability to race in different series and to see her lining up in the Mustang Challenge in our Dark Horse R is really cool. To have an American driver representing an iconic American brand is the perfect scenario for us and we are excited for all that 2025 will hold. This partnership is also part of a much larger relationship that we now enjoy with Red Bull across many race series and our partnership is getting stronger all the time.”
No Comments yet